Cooper Park - February 2001 · Cooper Park Plan Of Management – February 2001 G:\ts\parks\plans...

$: Cooper Park - February 2001 · Cooper Park Plan Of Management – February 2001 G:\ts\parks\plans of management\Cooper Park 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Cooper Park was gazetted as a park$
COOPER PARK

PPPLLLAAANNN OOOFFF MMMAAANNNAAAGGGEEEMMMEEENNNTTT --- FFFeeebbbrrruuuaaarrryyy 222000000111

FINAL DOCUMENT AS APPROVED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING 9 MARCH 2001

Cooper Park Plan Of Management – February 2001G:\ts\parks\plans of management\Cooper Park

2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Cooper Park was gazetted as a park in 1917. Occupying an area of 17.7 hectares, itstraddles the suburbs of Bellevue Hill and Woollahra within the southern part of theWoollahra Municipality. It extends for 1100 metres in an east-west direction and containsthe largest area of urban bushland (≅ 12 hectares) within the Municipality under Councilcontrol. It contains a tennis centre, junior sportsfield, large grassed areas, walking tracksand a variety of landscape structures (such as gazebos, bridges and staircases) datingfrom the 1930s, the initial period of infrastructure development. The park presents abroad range of recreation opportunity settings and possesses a rich cultural history. In1993 the park was listed on the Register of the National Estate by the Australian HeritageCommission. Key features highlighted in the significance assessment include the park’s‘early 20th century bushland pleasure ground style’, the ‘significant stands of PortJackson/ Eastern Suburbs vegetation’ and a range of ‘cultural features laid out in amanner that demonstrates design excellence’.

This plan of management has been prepared in accordance with the Local GovernmentAct 1993 (LGA 1993) and takes account of amendments made through the LocalGovernment Amendment (Community Land Management) Act 1998 and its Regulation.The area to which this plan applies is highlighted in the Site Plan (map 2).

The park is classified as ‘community land’ under the LGA 1993. Accordingly, respectiveareas within the park are categorised as being either park, sportsground, natural areaor for general community use with the total park being categorised as an area ofcultural significance (Map 3). ‘Natural area’ components are further categorised underthe Act as being either bushland or watercourse. The Act provides, in association witheach land category, sets of ‘core objectives’, which form the primary rationale for themanagement of Cooper Park.

The ‘natural area’ categorisation results, in part, from the presence of an endangeredplant species, Acacia terminalis ssp. terminalis, the Sunshine Wattle. Under the Act, theexistence of an endangered species within a given area requires that an individual Plan ofManagement be prepared for that area, in this case, Cooper Park.

This plan of management is based on the perspective that particular park qualities impartvalue and that overall management should be value-based. These values can be variouslydescribed as being educational, scientific, recreational, cultural, aesthetic, historical,social and natural and are reflected in legislative land categorisations, Council landmanagement goals, community preference and the park’s heritage listing. Within thiscontext the plan considers relevant issues, sets objectives linked to a schedule ofprioritised action and proposes an implementation process linked to performance targetsand a process of review.


3

CONTENTS Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2ABOUT THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT 6

1.0 Introduction 8

1.1 Primary Legislative Context 81.2 Related Plans, Policies and Strategies 81.3 The Site at a Glance 9

2.0 Park Description 10

2.1 Location, Size and Topography 102.2 Hydrology and Soil 10

2.2.1 Soil 102.2.2 Hydrology 11

2.3 Bushland 112.3.1 Flora 112.3.2 Fauna 122.3.3 Bush Regeneration 13

2.4 Recreation 132.4.1 Park User Profile and Survey Response 14

2.5 Human History 162.5.1 Aboriginal History 162.5.2 European History 17

2.6 Land Categorisation 182.6.1 Natural Area 182.6.2 Area of Cultural Significance 182.6.3 Sportsground 192.6.4 Park 192.6.5 General Community Use 20

2.7 Condition of Land and Buildings 202.8 Permitted Use of Land and Buildings and Other Improvements 21

3.0 Planning Issues 23

3.1 Access 233.1.1 Entry Points 233.1.2 Pathways 233.1.3 Carparking 243.1.4 Lighting 243.1.5 Disabled Access 24


4

CONTENTS (cont.) Page

3.0 Planning Issues (cont.)

3.2 Bush Regeneration 243.2.1 Weed Infestation 253.2.2 Biodiversity 263.2.3 Planting 263.2.4 Threatened Species 273.2.5 Fire 273.2.6 Habitat Creation 283.2.7 Lower Cooper Park 28

3.3 Recreation 293.3.1 Children in the Landscape 293.3.2 A Second Playground 303.3.3 Exercise Station 303.3.4 Cricket Practice Nets 303.3.5 Companion Animals 303.3.6 Amphitheatre 31

3.4 Heritage 323.4.1 Tree Management 32

3.5 Education, Interpretation and Signage 343.5.1 Education 343.5.2 Interpretation 343.5.3 Signage 34

3.6 Stormwater Management 35

3.7 Miscellaneous Issues 363.7.1 9a Cooper Park Road 363.7.2 Vandalism 363.7.3 Woodchip Pile 373.7.4 General Maintenance and Park Furniture 37

3.8 Human Resource Management 373.8.1 Volunteer Management 373.8.2 Park Staffing 38

3.9 Leases and Licences 39

3.10 Park Hire 39


5

CONTENTS (cont.) Page

4.0 Basis of Management 40

4.1 Cooper Park Valued 404.2 Goal 404.3 Objectives Explained 41

5.0 Action Plans 41

5.1 Bushland 43 5.2 Watercourse 47 5.3 Sportsground 49 5.4 Park 49 5.5 Area of Cultural Significance 50 5.6 Park as a Whole 52 5.7 General Community Use 55

6.0 Review 56

References 57Glossary 59

MAPS, TABLES, APPENDICES

Map 1: Regional Map 60Map 2: Site Plan 61 Map 3: Land Categories 62Map 4: Bush Regeneration Area 1988 63Map 5: Bush Regeneration Area 1998 64Map 6: Bush Regeneration Projection to 2005 65Map 7: Masterplan 66

Table 1: Site at a Glance 9Table 2: Park Use 16Table 3: Condition of Land 20Table 4: Condition of Buildings and Other Improvements 21Table 5: Permitted Use of Land Buildings and Other Improvements 22

Appendix 1: Related Policies, Plans and Legislation 67Appendix 2: Flora List 69Appendix 3: Fauna List 80Appendix 4: Definitions of Heritage Criteria 82Appendix 5: Core Objectives from LGA 1993 (as amended 1998) 83


6

About this plan of management

The Cooper Park Plan of Management has been prepared by Woollahra Council’s Parksand Streetscape Department in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA1993) and takes account of amendments made through the Local GovernmentAmendment (Community Land Management) Act 1998 and its Regulation. The plan isbased, in part, on a draft document prepared by Manidis Roberts Consultants inassociation with Arterra Design.

This plan is a document that regulates the appropriate use and guides the effective longand short-term management of Cooper Park. It acts simultaneously as a management tooland a public document, setting guidelines for those directly involved in its managementwhilst informing the community generally of the rationale behind this process. Theinclusion of a broad consultation process during plan preparation ensures that communityand stakeholder concerns are addressed within the context of council land managementstrategies and legislative obligations. Consultation has consisted of requests for inputthrough an advertisement in the local media, letters to residents in surrounding streets, acommunity meeting attended by about 40 residents and discussions with stakeholders andon-site staff.

Once adopted, Council may not undertake any activities, uses or developments that arenot provided for in the plan of management. Any changes in the plan must be exhibitedpublicly. Importantly, this plan does not replace existing legislation/ systems relating tothe approval of activities or development. This plan will have a five-year ‘lifespan’ fromthe date of adoption and therefore be reviewed in 2005. Additionally, Council willconduct annual reviews of all plans of management for Parks and Reserves in order togauge the ongoing relevance of plan ‘action’ and to determine the ongoing success ofplan implementation.

This plan consists of six Sections: -

Section 1 - (Introduction) – describes the primary legislative context of the plan andmakes reference to related plans, policies and other legislation. Provides a summariseddescription of the site.

Section 2 – (Park Description) – describes the park’s location, physical features, historyand recreational use. As required by the LGA 1993 (as amended 1998), land iscategorised and the present condition and permitted use of land and buildings tabulated.

Section 3 – (Planning Issues) – discusses relevant issues and therefore provides thepractical basis for the formulation of a plan of action.


7

Section 4 – (Basis for Management) – briefly explains the value judgement, whichunderscores this plan of management and, presents the plan’s overriding goal. Desiredoutcomes appear generally as ‘core objectives’ provided by the LGA 1993 (as amended1998) and, specifically as ‘specific objectives’ relating to current and ongoing site-basedissues.

Section 5 – (Action Plan) - presents a strategy to achieve the plan’s goal and objectives.The strategy comprises a series of prioritised actions. Objectives, Issues, Actions,Performance Indicators, Review Methods, Cost Estimates and Responsibilities arepresented in tabular format.

Section 6 – (Review) discusses performance indicators and review methods as a means ofmeasuring the success of plan implementation.

Supporting documentation consists of maps (including a Masterplan summarisingproposed site-specific actions), tables and appendices as listed in the Table of Contents.

NOTE : Words underlined in text have a Glossary entry


8

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Primary Legislative Context

The Local Government Act 1993 as amended 1998 requires:-

• the categorisation of ‘community land’ based on its use and/or other ecological andheritage significance criteria (Section 2.6)

• a description of the ‘condition of the land’ and any buildings or improvementsthereon (Section 2.7)

• a description of the use of the land and any such buildings or improvements, at thedate of the adoption of the plan of management (Section 1.3, Table 2)

• the specification of the purposes for which the land, and any such buildings andimprovements will be, permitted to be used together with a description of the scaleand intensity of such permitted use or development (Section 2.8)

• the inclusion of ‘core’ objectives within the management plan for each land category(Appendix 5)

• that the terms of any leases or licences issued be consistent with the core objectivesfor the particular land category in which they occur (Section 3.9)

• the inclusion of performance targets (Section 5)• the inclusion of actions to achieve objectives and satisfy performance targets• (Section 5)• a means of assessing the success or otherwise of plan implementation (Section 5)

1.2 Related Legislation, Plans, Policies and Strategies

Apart from the LGA 1993, this Plan of Management takes account of and ensuresconsistency with the goals and objectives of related legislation, plans, policies andstrategies (Appendix 1) adopted variously by Woollahra Council, associated localgovernment organisations and the State government. Such documentation includes theWoollahra Local Environment Plan (LEP) 1995, the Woollahra Management Plan1998/1999 to 2000/2001, the Woollahra Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Strategy1992, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Noxious Weeds Act 1993, NSWCompanion Animals Act 1998, Bush Fires Act 1949, Threatened Species ConservationAct 1995, Environment Administration Act 1991, Catchment Management Act 1989, andState Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) No. 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas, andGreen Web (a local government environmental initiative relating to wildlife corridors).These documents set goals and objectives relating variously to the conservation ofenvironmental heritage, the protection of local amenity, the provision of diversity in openspace areas and recreational opportunity, planning for the needs of children, theprotection of native flora, native fauna and existing vegetation patterns, the protection ofbiodiversity, long term ecological viability and natural features, the maintenance ofwildlife corridors, the promotion of principles that underpin ecologically sustainabledevelopment, the regular survey of open space users and the encouragement ofcommunity participation in the management of open space.


9

1.3 The Site at a Glance

Table 1 presents an overview of Cooper Park, and contains a description of tenure,administrative responsibilities, staffing, physical features and use:

TABLE 1: The Site at a Glance

Item DescriptionOwnership andManagement

Council owns and manages the entire park with the exception ofCooper Park Tennis Courts which is owned by Council butmanaged by the licensee

Classification andcategories

Community land categorised as park, sportsground, natural area,general community use and area of cultural significance

Zoning 6a Open Space in Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 1995Land designation Lot 101 in DP 827011, Lot 9 in DP 215076, Lot 1 in DP190598,

Lot 1 in DP 186299, Part Lot 1in DP 175726, Lots 1 and 7-9 inDP16997, Lot 1 in DP 355186, Part 3 and 4 in DP 81467, Lots 6-12

& 21 in DP 81467, Lot 1 in DP865574, Lot 1 in DP 538060, Lot 5in DP 23857, Lot 1 in DP 324740, Lot1 in DP 1952

Area 17.7 hectares, comprising 11.95 ha bushland, 3.15 ha grass/ playingfield, 0.47 ha synthetic grass tennis courts, 0.3 ha paved carparking,access road and footpaths, and 1.83 ha of steep weed infestedslopes

Tennis Courts Eight tennis courts and kiosk under licence to GJ, KA and PJTeagle

Sportsfield Western end, contains two all weather cricket wickets and twopractice nets

Caretaker’s cottage Residence above tennis kiosk houses the Cooper Park Team LeaderCommunity Hall Leased during weekdays to Miroma; used by the general

community at other timesWalking paths 1.5 km paved, 2.5 km unpaved; plus major staircases (wood, stone

and concrete)Playground Small playgroundOther Public toilets in tennis centre, Recycling Bay, three wood-fired

BBQs, toolshedShelters Seven grottoes (two converted as storage sheds, two gazebos)

Watercourses Central creek fed by tributaries and piped stormwaterCar park Accommodates 30 vehicles, another 30 can be accommodated on

the access roadVisitation About 130,00 visits per annum including approximately 90,000 to

tennis courtsStaffing and Costs Five full time staff assisted by occasional volunteer help


10

2.0 PARK DESCRIPTION

2.1 Location, Size and Topography

The Woollahra Municipality contains 80 open space areas covering approximately 100hectares. Additional open space within the Municipality is administered by otherauthorities such as Sydney Harbour National Park. Overall, there are 85 open space areasincorporating approximately 144 hectares of land within the Municipality. Of Counciladministered land, 72 per cent is Council-owned and the remainder is Crown Land. 46%of these areas are under 0.2 hectares in size22. By comparison, Cooper Park occupies 17.7hectares (including 12 hectares of bushland area), extends 1100 metres along its east-westaxis and is 450 metres across at its widest point. It is situated within a steep sided gullywithin the suburbs of Woollahra and Bellevue Hill (Map 1) and has a perimeter of justover 4 kilometres. Of that total, 2.3 kilometres abuts residential development and theremaining 1.7 kilometres is bounded by roadway. The slopes of the park are typified byrocky outcrops which in part form sustained clifflines and numerous overhangs. At theeastern end of the park a large earthen amphitheatre dates back to the 1930s; a turfedgrassed area below is partly supported by a major sandstone retaining wall. LowerCooper Park consists of a large open turf area at the western end. A mostly naturalwatercourse traverses the park along its east-west axis (Map 2).

2.2 Soil and Hydrology

2.2.1 Soil

The soil of Cooper Park derives from underlying Hawkesbury sandstone. Typically, soilsproduced by this type of parent material are infertile and slightly acidic and generallysupport the typically dry sclerophyll ‘hard-leaved’ vegetation of the Sydney district. Thelower central gully area of the park consists of a particular soil landscape known as ‘DeepCreek’, comprising an alluvial mixture of deposited sands, silts and clay2. These soils arerelatively deep and support a predominance of wet sclerophyll species in contrast to theshallow sandy soils overlaying rocky outcrops on steeper slopes.

The original soils of the park are largely deficient in the elements Phosphorous (P) andNitrogen (N). If present in higher concentrations than that which occurs naturally, theseelements can be either phytotoxic to members of some plant families (eg. P inProteaceae) or encourage excessive growth in many weed species. The latter in turndisplaces native vegetation. Urban bushland soils can be loaded with unnaturally highlevels of these nutrients through the introduction of dumped garden refuse, imported soil,sewerage overflows and leaks, detergents and dog faeces, all of which are eitherdeposited on-site or arrive via uncontrolled stormwater flows.


11

2.2.2 Hydrology

The park has a stormwater catchment of approximately 85 hectares, inclusive of the parkitself. This area extends through much of Bellevue Hill and Bondi Junction. The maindrainage line consists of a creek that traverses the park along its east-west axis. A numberof weirs have been constructed within this watercourse producing a series of ponds alongits length. The creek flow leaves the park via a large diameter pipe at Lower Cooper Parkdischarging eventually into Double Bay and Sydney Harbour. The creek remains inpredominantly natural form above the confluence at the brick bridge just east of thetennis courts, with stone-pitched embankments occurring below this point. It is fed bynumerous tributaries and piped stormwater outlets (Map 2).

Urban development has resulted in a dramatic increase of impermeable surfaces (eg.roads, footpaths, buildings, kerb and gutter) within the catchment resulting insignificantly greater stormwater volumes as compared to the period preceding residentialand commercial development. This water flow is capable of causing erosion, siltation,nutrient loading (Section 2.2.1) and the deposition of gross pollutants within the park’sdrainage system. These problems are compounded through other forms of stormwaterpollution including the uncontrolled pumping of silt-laden water from development sitesand the illegal dumping and accidental spillage of chemicals within the catchment.

2.3 Bushland

2.3.1 Flora

The topography, aspect, soil type, historical records and remnant vegetation withinCooper Park suggest that three predominant plant communities would have existed,Shrubby Open Forest (ridges and upper slopes), Tall Open Forest (sheltered valley slopesand creek embankments) and a Swampland Association (lower flat area at western end ofpark)11. The major tree species present within regenerated bushland areas includeAngophora costata Smooth-barked apple, Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum, Eucalyptusbotryoides Coast Mahogany, Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint, and Corymbiagummifera, Sydney Bloodwood on the slopes and Synoum glandulosum, ScentlessRosewood, Ficus ssp. Figs and Syzigium ssp. Lilly Pillies in the gully area. Stands ofEucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt were mostly logged last century but two matureindividuals survive on deeper soils in the lower catchment with others occurring in thesoutheastern section of the park. The understorey in the upper gully area is comprisedmostly of ferns, wet sclerophyll and other related mesic species. The understorey on theupper slopes comprises elements of coastal heath, dry sclerophyll vegetation and nativegrasses.


12

Cooper Park has been the subject of previous planting programs that have seen theintroduction of a number of non-endemic native plants into bushland areas includingElaeocarpus grandis Quandong, Castanospermum australe Blackbean, Eucalyptusglobulus Tasmanian Blue Gum and Eucalyptus citriodora Lemon-scented Gum.

Weed infestation is the most visible indication of native plant community degradation.Weeds compete with native plants for light, moisture, nutrition and space. Today, morethan 50% of the park’s bushland area suffers from significant levels of weed infestationwith some areas being totally devoid of native vegetation. Weed infestation in the parkderives directly from the impacts of residential and commercial development andresource extraction. Impacts have derived from operations associated with logging,sandstone quarrying, waste disposal and incineration, the installation of sewerageinfrastructure and market gardening. Altered drainage patterns and volumes, andchanging soil chemistry have exacerbated the situation. Major weed species includeLarge leaved Privet (Ligustrum lucidum), Small-leaved Privet (Lucidum sinense),Lantana (Lantana camara), Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum), MorningGlory (Ipomoea indica), Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia), Palm Grass (Setariapalmifolia), Common Tradescantia (Tradescantia albiflora), Mist Flower (Ageratinariparia), Green Cestrum (Cestrum parquii), Veldt Grass (Ehrarta erecta), Potato Vine(Rumex sagittatus), Coral Tree (Eyrthrina x sykseii) and Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomumcamphora).

More than 160 weed species and more than 220 native plant species have been identifiedwithin Cooper Park. Records are kept and maintained on-site by park staff (Appendix 2).It is important to note that species number however, gives no indication as to the relativeabundance and distribution of each plant species within Cooper Park. The ecology ofindividual species of plants is dealt with at the operational level by staff engaged in thepark’s program of bush regeneration.

2.3.2 Fauna

The sustainability of animal populations is dependent on a number of variables. One ofthe most important of these is habitat size. Fragmentation of habitat during the period ofresidential development has resulted in the local extinction of a number of animal specieswithin the Cooper Park area. In this regard, Cooper Park will always be limited in itsability to sustain animal populations by the fact that it is a fragment of a once much largerarea of continuous native vegetation.

Nonetheless, within a given area, the quality of animal habitat is supported primarily byplant species diversity, variability of vegetation structure and variability of plant speciesage classes 13.. The park’s bush regeneration process is mindful of these parameters.Presently, the park provides refuge for a number of birds, reptiles (Appendix 3),amphibians and mammals together with various invertebrate species including insectsand soil microfauna.


13

2.3.3 Bush Regeneration

The degradation of plant communities within Cooper Park began with theaforementioned commercial use of the park (Section 2.3.1) and was compounded by theeffects of residential development. These effects included the increase in stormwatervolume and the installation of sewerage and drainage lines. The recreational developmentof the park did not take explicit account of vegetation management. However during themid 1970s the municipal engineer proposed basic regeneration work to be undertakenover a 20 month period, 1974-76. Weeds were removed (Privets, Tree of Heaven, CoralTree, Balloon Vine and Morning Glory) and up to 500 native trees, shrubs and grasseswere planted. The rationale for species selection and the genetic source of plantedmaterial is not recorded. By today’s standards it was a crude approach. One decade later,the National Trust was contracted to undertake bush regeneration work within CooperPark. This was the first time that a systematic scientific approach was adopted for theregeneration and restoration of remnant native plant communities within Cooper Park.This contract continues today. The appointment of a Park Manager in 1988 and asubsequent increase in staff skilled in natural area management has led to a substantialincrease in the area of regenerating bushland exhibiting a high degree of sustainability;from 4% of total bushland area in 1988 to 44% in 1998 (Maps 4 & 5).

2.4 Recreation

Recreation here is broadly interpreted to include the many ways in which people chooseto spend their leisure time, from active sporting activities undertaken by groups throughto individuals engaged in solitary contemplative thought. Cooper Park comprises anumber of community land categories which accordingly provide a spectrum ofrecreation opportunity settings ranging from ‘developed’ (eg. tennis courts) through to‘natural’ (eg. bushland areas). It is generally accepted that the provision of diversity ofrecreation opportunity is a sign of quality in recreation provision. Importantly, CooperPark constitutes an ‘island of naturalness’ within an urban landscape and its primaryrecreational importance lies in its ability to facilitate ‘introspection, temporary escape andtension release, as well as’ provide ‘opportunity for personal development’12.

In summary, recreational pursuits undertaken within Cooper Park include tennis, cricket,walking including organized walks, reading, jogging, fitness training, the playing of ballgames, the practising of relaxation techniques, painting, playground use, picnicking,social interaction, bird watching, dog walking and the general appreciation of the park’snatural elements.

The development of recreation infrastructure within Cooper Park was initiated in 1923and involved the construction of tennis courts, a tennis pavilion and playgrounds.Development during the 1930s was based on an award winning design by E. Colemanand R.C. Coulter, the result of a competition run in 192810. Themes of romance andpleasure were enhanced with the construction of meandering paths, bridges and grottos,all set within a natural landscape. At the eastern end of the park a natural amphitheatrewas constructed and was host to a number of classical concerts during the 1950s.


14

2.4.1 Park User Profile and Survey Response

A ‘Study of Recreational Needs in the Woollahra Municipality’ completed in 1984 cited in

22 provides some information as to the ‘typical user profile’ of park users within theMunicipality. The study found the typical user to be single or a single parent, highlyeducated, well paid, in white-collar employment, in rental accommodation and in the 15-34 year age group. The average length of stay was two hours. Profiles such as this can beuseful for matching recreation demand with the provision of recreation opportunity and indeveloping interpretive strategies for a target audience. Park exit surveys which havebeen in use in Woollahra since 1991 give some indication as to recreation demand andgeneral satisfaction levels in relation to park use and can be useful in identifying issuesand assessing the success or otherwise of some prescriptive actions associated with a planof management. Park survey use is further discussed in Section 3.5 and Section 6.

A small park user survey conducted during 1999 by Manidis Roberts Consultantsprovides information on recreation activity and park user perception of park managementissues. Prominent responses have been absorbed as planning issues in Section 3. Thissurvey is not comprehensive but has provided another avenue for public consultationduring the preparation of this plan. Issues identified are similar to results obtained frompark exit surveys conducted in the early 1990s. The survey found that:

Park users are exclusively from the local area though former council park surveys suggestthat the park also receives visitors from other parts of Sydney, from interstate and fromoverseas. 66% of visitors came to walk or walk their dog, 29% came to play tennis, 20%came for a picnic (Sunday only), and a small number of visitors came to play withchildren and jog. (Some respondents came to the park for more than one reason, forexample to play tennis and then have a picnic, or picnic and walk).

The bushland and natural surrounds are the aspects most enjoyed by visitors (44% ofrespondents), followed by the tennis courts (24%), the park’s feeling of seclusion andisolation (22%), its open space (17%), and the sense of the park being a community focalpoint and meeting place and close to home (small numbers of respondents).

Major dislikes of visitors were stated as ‘nothing to dislike about Cooper Park’ (32%),weeds (24%), litter on the ground and in streams (20%), dogs, dog faeces, dog behaviour(12%). Other dislikes: insufficient facilities such as toilets, picnic facilities, dog facilities(eg. Dog bins, plastic bag dispensers); occasional conflict between users of the cricketnets and other park users, graffiti, the grottoes, the tennis courts, and paths that becomeboggy after rain.

When asked what they would like to change about Cooper Park, 24% said noimprovements are needed; 17% said less weeds; 17% said facilities for dogs (eg. dogbins, plastic bag dispensers); 15% said improved litter management; and 10% said moreplanting bush regeneration. A few suggested: more public toilets; improvements to thepaths; further provision of picnic and children’s facilities; upgrading of the kiosk; andgreater enforcement of dog rules.


15

When asked to rate Council’s management of Cooper Park on a scale of excellent, good,fair, poor, or don’t know, 73% said Council is doing a ‘good’ job; 17% rated Council’sperformance as ‘excellent’, 10% rated Council’s performance as fair; and ‘poor’ and‘don’t know’ were not stated by respondents. When asked if they would like to make anyother comments about Cooper Park, 59% of respondents made positive commentsreflecting general satisfaction with Cooper Park in its present condition, a level ofcommunity pride in the park, and acknowledgment of the park’s contribution toengendering a sense of community. 7% of respondents made negative comments, mostlyin regard to dogs and dog faeces, litter (particularly in the creek and stormwater drains),and weed infestation. 17% of respondents offered suggestions which included: moreBBQ pits, more resources for bush regeneration, better controls over dogs and dogowners, and better design to ensure that passive recreation areas have sun in winter, andshade in summer.

Table 2 presents an overview of park use. Not surprisingly, this centres on recreationaluse and indicates the popularity of a large urban park that presents a diverse range ofrecreation opportunity. Visitation to Cooper Park peaks in summer, particularly onweekends though there is a constant level of local use that persists throughout the year.


16

Table 2: Park Use

Area UseCooper Park Tennis Courts The courts are used daily from 7am until

10pm (Monday to Thursday), 9pm(Friday), 7pm (Saturday) and 8pm(Sunday). Visitation peaks in the warmermonths on weekends. The licensee does notkeep records of visitation but it is estimatedthat total annual visits would be about90,000. The café associated with the courtattracts both tennis players and non-players

Sportsfield (Lower Cooper Park) Used for junior cricket in summer by localschools, usually on Wednesday morningsand afternoons; and Saturday mornings.There is no licence. Very popular site fordog walking early morning and lateafternoon

Picnic/ BBQ area Very popularCommunity Hall Leased to Miroma for work for disabled

persons and other programs. The YouthAdvisory Council also has meetings there,and it is leased for yoga classes and minoractivities but no large parties withamplification systems

Bushland Path system popular for bushwalking andas preferred thoroughfare access betweenlocal streets

Playground Very popular

2.5 Human History

2.5.1 Aboriginal History

Aboriginal occupation of the Sydney area dates back at least 6,000 years 16. The originalinhabitants of the Woollahra Municipal area comprised members (over time) of at leasttwo Aboriginal clans, the Cadigal on the southern shore of Sydney Harbour and theBirrabirralah of South Head and nearby coastal areas Kohen 1986 cited in 17. During 1789approximately fifty percent of the known local Aboriginal population was killed bydisease, probably smallpox brought by European settlers16. Subsequent land appropriationby colonialists hastened the process that led to the eventual demise of the Aboriginalpopulation within the Sydney area.


17

There are several confirmed indications of Aboriginal occupation in the Cooper Parkarea. There is a rock engraving of a fish within an overhang just north of Bellevue Roadabove the eastern end of the park 1. There is a record of another rock engraving on a largeflat rock in the north -eastern section of the park featuring ‘a fully rigged ship and somefigures of men’9. There is reference to ‘two charcoal figures ‘ on the wall of a smallshelter ‘between tennis courts and home units in Cooper Park’9. Additionally, there anumber of sacred/ burial sites that exist within the eastern suburbs of Sydney, the exactlocation of which remains, for spiritual reasons, privileged information kept in trust bythe La Perouse Land Council (pers. comm. Williamson 1995). There are a number ofsites within the park with deposits of iron rich clay material which are thought to havebeen utilized by local aborigines as paint material for body adornment (pers. comm.Shannon 1999).

2.5.2 European History

Following European settlement in 1788, the area now occupied by Cooper Park becamepart of a series of land grants made to the emancipist Hayes between 1793-1812. By theearly part of the nineteenth century this land had become part of the estate of DanielCooper, ‘one of the Colony’s early industrial barons’11. His nephew William Cooper whogained title to the land in 1882 undertook in 1913 ‘to give the whole of the gully, fromVictoria Road to Manning Road, to the Council as a park’10. The park was officiallynamed in 1917. Land acquisitions made by Council over subsequent years has increasedpark size from an initial 8 hectares to 17.7 hectares today. The major period of recreationinfrastructure development during the 1930s (Section 2.4), was achieved through the useof up to 60 unemployment relief workers. The Moon Bridge at the park’s centre is a fineexample of the stonemasonry undertaken by Ernest Miles and a team of 50 stoneworkers.Other major sandstone work undertaken can be evidenced in the long flight of steps at thepark’s Victoria Road entrance and the retaining wall below the large turfed area at theeastern end of the park. Construction of the park’s distinctive synthetic stone grottoes wasperformed by Mr. H.Arnold during 1936, the creator of many similar constructions atTaronga Zoo.

Commercial use/ resource extraction within the area comprised Chinese market gardensover the period 1850s –1920s 10 and dairy production in the western area of the park,timber extraction in the early part of the nineteenth century, sandstone quarrying in thenorthern and southeastern parts of the park and the operation of an incinerator site at thebottom of Cooper Park Road.


18

2.6 Land Categorisation

Reference to the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended 1998) and its Regulation inrespect of ‘Community Land’ categorisation, indicates that Cooper Park would berepresented within 5 (five) categories, namely: natural area, area of culturalsignificance, sportsground, park, and general community use (Map 3). The Actfurther provides a set of core objectives for each category (Appendix 5) that give generalguidance to the formulation of management action and provides a framework for thegeneral protection of values associated with each category.

2.6.1 Natural Area

Land is categorised as a natural area under Section 36 (4) of the Act if the land, whetheror not in an undisturbed state, possesses a representative system, natural feature or otherattribute that would be sufficient to further categorise the land (in this case) as bushlandor watercourse. The park contains a mainly natural watercourse and bushland areasrepresentative of remnant Port Jackson/Eastern suburbs vegetation. The bushland areaidentified comprises, in part, habitat of the endangered species Acacia terminalis ssp.terminalis, the Sunshine Wattle. The presence of this plant species requires thatobjectives, performance targets and other matters in respect of this species are consistentwith the objects of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Under provisions ofthe Act, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW) is to prepare a Recovery Plan forthis plant species.

2.6.2 Area of Cultural Significance

Land is categorised as an area of cultural significance under Section 36 (4) of the Act ifthe land is an area of historical significance, because of the importance of an associationor position of the land in the evolving pattern of Australian cultural history, or is an areaof technical or research significance, because of the area’s contribution to anunderstanding of Australia’s cultural history or environment or, is an area of socialsignificance, because of the area’s association with Aboriginal life after 1788 or thearea’s association with a contemporary community for social, spiritual or other reasons.Though other criteria are provided within the Act, the aforementioned are consideredappropriate for the classification of Cooper Park in its entirety as an area of culturalsignificance.


19

During 1992, the Australian Heritage Commission listed Cooper Park on the Register ofthe National Estate (FileNo.1/12/041/0114/01). The following statement is taken from asignificance assessment report completed by the Australian Heritage Commission in1992. Definitions of the criteria used in the assessment are contained in Appendix 4.

‘Cooper Park is an uncommon example of an early twentieth century municipal park,which demonstrates a bushland pleasure ground style. The style is expressed by thepredominance of bush vegetation, a creek and meandering network of paths which link aseries of architectural features (Criterion B2)’.

‘The park is important for an array of cultural features which include synthetic stonefeatures, a moon bridge, a brick and concrete bridge, sandstone paths, a tennis pavilionand tennis courts, and a grass amphitheatre with retaining wall and plaque (CriterionA3)’.

‘The park contains some significant stands of remnant Port Jackson/Eastern suburbsvegetation (Criterion A1 and D1)’.

‘These cultural features are laid out in a manner which demonstrates design excellence(Criterion F1)'.

Although the park is not listed as a heritage item under the Woollahra LEP 1995, itscultural significance is identified in Council’s Heritage Study (1984) which highlightedCooper Park as a ‘creek valley with quite thick vegetation…with unique rainforestspecies’ and overall high recreational value. The Heritage Study nominated the north-facing valley and south-facing slope as areas of naturalistic character and pointed to theexistence of Aboriginal engravings within Cooper Park and surrounding areas.

2.6.3 Sportsground

Land is categorised as sportsground under Section 36 (4) of the Act if the land is usedprimarily for active recreation involving organised sports or the playing of outdoorgames. The tennis courts satisfy this criteria.

2.6.4 Park

Land is categorised as park under Section 36 (4) of the Act if the land is, or proposed tobe, improved by landscaping, gardens or the provision of non-sporting equipment andfacilities, for use mainly for passive or active recreational, social, educational and culturalpursuits that do not unduly intrude on the peaceful enjoyment of the land by others. Thisis the appropriate category for the park’s main open turfed areas covering the eastern,western and northern extremities and the central area of the park.


20

2.6.5 General Community Use

Land is categorised as being for general community use under Section 36 (4) of the Act ifthe land does not satisfy criteria for inclusion in other categories and therefore may bemade available for use for any purpose for which community land may be used, whetherby the public at large or by specific sections of the public. It is considered appropriatethat a small area of the park which contains Cooper Park Road Community Hall and anadjacent carpark be categorised as being for ‘general community use’. It is also possiblethat a recent addition to the park at 9a Cooper Park Road (Section 3.7.1) may beclassified within this category depending on a decision as to its appropriate use.

2.7 Condition of the Land, Buildings and Other Improvements

The Local Government Act 1993 as amended 1998 requires that a plan of managementthat applies to just one area of community land (in this case Cooper Park) must include adescription of the condition of that land and any associated buildings or improvements -Refer Tables 3 and 4.

Table 3 : Condition of Land

LAND CONDITIONBushland Subjected to high degree of weed infestation.

Approximately 45% of potential 12 hectaresregenerating and on maintenance.

Picnic and passive areas Good condition – regularly maintainedWatercourses Fair condition – Upgrade during the 1990s has

resulted in improved bank stabilisation and reducedsedimentation. More treatment is required. Watertesting has demonstrated variable water quality.Fluctuations in quality are typical of urbanstormwater systems.

Lower Cooper Park – Playing field at western end Reasonable condition. Problems with compactionand uneven surface

Bellevue Gardens – eastern end Level turfed area in reasonable conditionTerracing of earthen amphitheatre has lost itsoriginal definition. Its surface is covered in a climaxcommunity of introduced grasses. Some erosion isapparent through recreational use.

9a Cooper Park Road Totally weed infested


21

Table 4: Condition of Buildings and Other Improvements

Buildings/ Improvements ConditionTennis pavilion containing staff offices, amenities,tennis kiosk and park manager’s residence

Very good condition. Substantiallyrenovated/rebuilt in 1989

Tennis courts Excellent condition. Perimeter wire fencing andsynthetic court surfacing renewed 1999

9a Cooper Park RoadHouse and disused bowling club

Dilapidated and not fit for use

Cooper Park Road Community Hall Structurally soundSandstone flight of steps at Victoria Road entrance Structurally sound but some tread repair required.

Handrailing requires upgradeFootbridges2 concrete, 1 brick, 1 sandstone,1 metal

Structurally sound

Treated pine stairs (x2) Excellent conditionSandstone perimeter walls Good condition. Some repair requiredGrottoes and gazebos Structurally sound yet often targeted for graffitiConcrete and flagstone pathways, steps andhandrailings

Majority are structurally sound. Some stormwatererosion in some small sections. Rosewood walkrequires stone realignment and stabilisation.Tubular steel handrailings are structurally sound.Some wooden arris handrailing has been subject totermite attack.

Retaining walls, pond walls and weirs Structurally sound. Leak in eastern pond andgeneral problems with sedimentation in system

Cricket pitches/ Cricket practice nets Good condition (recently resurfaced)Carpark off Suttie Road Structurally sound

Information shelter Structurally sound

Routed wooden signage Structurally sound

2.8 Permitted Use of Land, Buildings and Other Improvements

The Local Government Act 1993 as amended 1998 requires that a plan of managementthat applies to just one area of community land (in this case Cooper Park) must specifythe purposes for which the land, and any such buildings and improvements will bepermitted to be used, together with a description of the scale and intensity of suchpermitted use and must specify the purpose of any proposed development. Refer Table 3.Within this Table, land, buildings and other improvements are grouped within areas tofacilitate a sensible link to permitted use.


22

Table 5: Permitted Use of Land, Buildings and Other Improvements

Area Purpose, Scale andIntensity of Permitted Use

Purpose of any furtherdevelopment

Bushland Areas Remnant Eastern Suburbsbushland – provision of lowintensity recreational use.Resource to be protected,conserved, rehabilitated andtransmitted to future generations.

Activities associated with bushregeneration program

Watercourses (including bridgesand other structures)

Small channels carrying waterfrom within the catchmentdelivering the outflow to SydneyHarbour. Collection of weedplant material allowable foreducational use.Not used for recreationalpurposes

Structures associated with theStormwater Management Plan

Tennis Centre/ Council staffoffice and accommodation

Intensively used tennis courtscatering for up to 90,000 visitsper year, for social andcompetition tennis and coachingSmall scale kiosk and outlet forgoods and services supportive oftennisSmall scale office/ lunchroomand accommodation for parksupervisor.

Upgrading associated with tenniscourt (eg. resurfacing)

Picnic areas/ play area Small scale venue for picnics,BBQs and children’s play

No further development proposed

Lower Cooper Park Small scale area for junior cricketgames, cricket practice; casualball games; exercise, dog walkingand social gatherings


Upper Cooper Park(including the ampitheatre andother structures)

Park entry area for casualexercise, cultural and socialevents (eg. outdoor films andconcerts for up to 3000 people)

Temporary or permanentstructures (eg. paving andseating)associated with theestablishment of areas for culturaland social events

Areas off Fletcher Street andCooper Park Road

Low key areas for relaxation andexercise


Cooper Park Road CommunityHall

Small public building formeetings, children’s play groups,cultural, social and educationalpastimes and activities


9a Cooper Park Road To be determined To be determined


23

3 PLANNING ISSUES

This section presents issues relevant to the planning process. Any response in the form ofrecommended action is consistent with the core objectives associated with each landcategory.

3.1 Access

Cooper Park is generally accessible by motor vehicle, bicycle, on foot and by publictransport.

3.1.1 Entry Points

Cooper Park has eleven general points of entry (Map 2) which are considered effectiveand appropriate. There are other informal access points which tend to exacerbatemanagement problems in relation to soil erosion, soil compaction, drainage, weedencroachment and litter.

The preferred points of entry need to be formalised with appropriate signage andlandscape treatment that aids visitor orientation. The latter would ideally include a simplemap and/ or the opportunity to engage in an interpretive experience (Section 3.5.2).Informal access points should be discouraged. This would ideally be solved with someform of barrier treatment or signage.

A sizeable volume of pedestrian traffic passes between Lough Playing Fields and LowerCooper Park at Suttie Road near the intersection with Manning Road. The placement of apedestrian crossing at this point should be investigated by Council’s Traffic Committee.

3.1.2 Pathways

Cooper Park contains 4 km of pathway, 1.5 km paved and 2.5 km unpaved. Pavedpathways are constructed alternatively of concrete and/ or sandstone flagging. Some ofthe paths are close to seventy years old and have been subject to repair over time. Atpresent the stabilization and realignment of some sections of flagstone pathway isrequired. These areas include the total length of Rosewood Walk; the eastern end ofCooper Creek Path adjacent the eastern pond area and the flight of steps at the VictoriaRoad entrance (Map 7). Occasional repair of stabilised decomposed granite pathways onthe eastern pond access ramp and the lower section of Cooper Creek path will also berequired. Some paths in the northeastern section of the park exhibit poor drainage afterrain. Appropriate drainage treatment or the installation of duckboard may be required.Handrailing within the park is constructed alternatively of arris rail hardwood or tubulargalvanised steel. Hardwood railing is subject to termite attack and within wet areas of thepark has an approximate life of ten years. All future handrailing installation andreplacement should ideally be with tubular galvanised steel. This material blends withsome original installations (tennis courts and railing in eastern section of park) and hassuperior life expectancy.


24

3.1.3 Carparking

The tennis court carpark at the western end of the park is generally adequate for averagelevels of park visitation but lacks sufficient solar protection during summer months. Theplacement of an appropriate number of trees (possibly two) with a shading habit,minimal leaf fall, stable branch structure and compatibility with the surroundingvegetation is recommended.

The installation of kerb and gutter along the southern edge of the entrance road leading tothe carpark from Suttie Road would facilitate better drainage and improve parkingopportunity on busy days when the carpark overflows.

3.1.4 Lighting

There is limited artificial lighting associated with pedestrian access within the park.Streetlights occur on the path leading up to Adelaide Street (a popular access point) fromthe tennis kiosk but are inadequate to ensure safe access to tennis court patrons that enterand leave the park via this entrance during the evening. Adequate lighting should beinstalled to ensure safe access. It is however inappropriate and not cost effective toconsider the installation of lighting throughout the park generally.

3.1.5 Disabled Access

Cooper Park’s topography makes access to many areas, particularly bushland sites,difficult for disabled persons. Nonetheless, vehicular access into the central picnic area ispossible, with Council permission, for disabled individuals or groups. This access pointis located at the park’s western entrance on the northern side of the tennis court carpark.From the central picnic area, easy wheelchair access is possible along Cooper Creek Pathto a point 300 metres east of the central bridge. This path allows access to a pleasantbushland/ creek setting and passes by the park’s architectural landscape focal point at theMoonbridge.

The park’s information bay adjacent to the central picnic area has stepped access at twopoints. The shorter right hand section with the lesser gradient should be replaced with aramp allowing wheelchair access. And any interpretive program developed for the parkshould be mindful of making the experiences it offers accessible to the disabled,including those with sight and hearing impairment.

3.2 Bush Regeneration

Bush Regeneration is the primary managerial theme of Cooper Park. It is a process thataims to restore through various methods of regeneration, rehabilitation and revegetation,the type of plant communities and some elements of the animal communities that existed


25

within this area prior to European settlement. Simple quantitative endpoints in thisprocess are best couched in terms of the annual area of weed clearance (primarytreatment) and the subsequent area maintained in a weed free state (maintenancetreatment). Accordingly, a simplified quantitative overview of regeneration work withinCooper Park over the past decade (Maps 4 & 5) would show an increase of 40% to 44%(4.8 hectares) of bushland area on maintenance following initial primary weed removal.In 1998, this figure stood at just 4% (0.48 hectares). These percentages relate to an areaof 12 hectares, the total area of potential bushland, within the park’s total 17.7 hectares ofopen space. A qualitative endpoint is best couched in terms of the maintenance andenhancement of biodiversity (Section 3.2.2). Map 6 shows a 5-year projection ofproposed primary work to 2005.

In practical terms, the degree of success within bush regeneration is dependent on thelevel and efficiency of ongoing labour input required for primary weed removal,associated landscape work, planting (where necessary) and the subsequent maintenanceof restored areas into the future. Success will also be dependent on the degree to whichthreats to bushland have been removed or minimised. Such threats are represented mostnoticeably, through weed establishment and uncontrolled stormwater flows. These threatsderive directly from disturbances associated with early resource extraction and residentialdevelopment.

A key advantage of the bush regeneration process derives from the decreasing level ofrequired per hectare labour input relative to increasing plant community stability overtime. Despite this, continuing primary work will result in a net increase in required labourinput in the long term. Park staff have over time managed to rationalise the efficiencyand effectiveness of labour input into bush regeneration relative to duties associated withgeneral park maintenance. Nonetheless, it is necessary to maintain an adequate skilledstaffing level in the long term. A minimum permanent staffing level of 6 (six) personssupplemented by a continuing contract with the National Trust of Australia (NSW) isappropriate.

3.2.1 Weed Infestation

Weed infestation within the park stems directly from the impacts of residentialdevelopment and resource extraction. Impacts have derived from operations associatedwith logging, sandstone quarrying, waste incineration, the creation of sewerage, drainageand recreation infrastructure, house construction, increased stormwater volumes, altereddrainage patterns and associated changes in soil structure and chemistry. Many weedspecies introduced originally as horticultural plants on private property within the park’scatchment have, through various dispersal mechanisms, become established withinCooper Park.

Weed infestation is the most visible indication of native plant community degradation.Weeds compete with native plants for light, moisture, nutrient and space. Weed removaltherefore is the primary requirement for the regeneration process preceding the


26

germination of naturally occurring seed and related propagative material and/orrevegetation through planting. Techniques utilized in weed removal and the pattern andtiming within this process are consistent with current industry bush regeneration methodsand based on sound ecological principles.

3.2.2 Biodiversity

Biodiversity has become a key word within nature conservation. It is often interpretedsimply as species richness but is more accurately described as ‘the variety of life forms,the ecological roles they perform and the genetic diversity they contain’20. This variety inthe natural world and the pleasure it brings to human experience is an obvious reason forthe importance afforded biodiversity. On a broader scale biodiversity provides the basicmaterial for new foods and medicines and helps maintain natural ecosystems providingclean water and air 13. The conservation of biodiversity locally contributes to itsconservation regionally.

Biodiversity can be interpreted as a simple measure of environmental health in that arapid (ie. over a number of decades relative to geological time) loss of species diversitywithin an area indicates the occurrence of threatening processes, usually in the form ofhuman-induced impacts as described in Section 3.2.1. Habitat destruction and thefragmentation of bushland have been major contributors to the loss of species within thearea now occupied by Cooper Park. The protection and enhancement of the park’spresent level of native biodiversity is therefore a key outcome of the park’s program ofbush regeneration within the park. The maintenance of species lists therefore acts as aqualitative assessment of the success of the bush regeneration process.

Importantly, the protection and enhancement of biodiversity within Cooper Park will bebased on management options that minimise the effects of, or totally negate threateningprocesses and capitalise on opportunities to maintain the sustainability of wholepopulations of species. Such opportunities within the bush regeneration process includethe use of fire (Section 3.2.5), weed removal (Section 3.2.1), stormwater management(Section 3.6), planting (Section 3.2.3) and habitat creation (Section 3.2.6).

3.2.3 Planting

Planting in bushland areas will only be undertaken in sites that exhibit negligible naturalregeneration potential over a period of time (at least three years). Assessment of naturalregeneration potential within a site includes consideration of the likely response to firetreatment. Natural regeneration produces superior outcomes in relation to the restorationof bushland based on original vegetation type and species diversity. However, in areasthat are non-responsive, planting serves to reintroduce a level of native plant diversitywithin a site, initiates the production of a native seed bank and helps to suppress theoccurrence of competing weed growth.


27

Species chosen for planting are selected taking account of the probable original plantcommunity type that existed in Cooper Park prior to residential development. CooperPark has an in-park nursery operated by park staff. Native plant seed is collected, storedand propagated when required. Plant material utilized in Cooper Park is almostexclusively derived from this on-site propagation of seed collected from remnant specieswithin the park. Choosing locally sourced propagative material is important in terms ofensuring the genetic integrity (in the event of pollen transfer and seed dispersal) ofremnant plant populations. An occasional alternative source of locally occurring plantmaterial satisfying requirements of genetic integrity is Randwick Community Nursery.

3.2.4 Threatened Species

An endangered plant species on Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Threatened SpeciesConservation Act 1995 has been identified within Cooper Park. It is the Sunshine Wattle,Acacia terminalis ssp. terminalis which is characteristically more hairy with relativelythick peduncles and wider seed pods than the other yet to be published subspecies; it wasfirst collected in 1770 by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander18.

‘Although Acacia terminalis is widely distributed on the coast and tablelands fromnorthern New South Wales to Tasmania, the type subspecies has a restricted distributionin the Sydney region from the north shore area of Sydney Harbour south to Botany Bay.It occurs mainly near the coast with most records from Port Jackson and the easternsuburbs of Sydney. Much of its natural distribution range with suitable habitat has beencleared or disturbed for urban development18’.

Under s36A of the LGA 1993, the presence of an endangered species results in anautomatic ‘natural area’ categorisation for the bushland area of Cooper Park. Eventually,the land area supporting this plant species will be subject to a Recovery Plan as preparedby the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW). The population of Acacia terminalisis restricted to the park’s northern slopes within regenerating areas of remnant bushland.The park’s bush regeneration program is mindful of the plant’s existence and all due careis provided to ensure it’s conservation on-site ahead of the preparation of a RecoveryPlan.

The importance associated with the presence of Acacia terminalis ssp. terminalis willreceive treatment as part of an interpretive strategy for the park’s natural elementsfocusing particularly on the importance of biodiversity conservation.

3.2.5 Fire

Fire has played a significant role in the evolution of Australian flora and fauna. Fireproduces specific responses in respect of plant seed germination and establishment andvegetative reproduction. The resulting age, class and diversity of species produces avegetation structure and food resource that holds habitat implications for the


28

sustainability of animal populations. In this way, fire regimes defined by fire type,intensity, frequency and season of occurrence have had a major influence on the relativedistribution and abundance of species within native plant and animal communities. Urbandevelopment and the concomitant fragmentation of bushland have led to the alteration ofthese fire regimes resulting in an alteration of species composition within thesecommunities. Within Cooper Park, the relative absence of fire has led to a reduction inplant species diversity which in turn has had a flow on effect to animal species diversityand abundance. This has led to change towards a simplified plant community dominatedby mesic species such as Syzgium ssp. Lilly Pillies, Clochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree,and Pittosporum undulatum Native Daphne away from a more diverse community ofsclerophyllous species. This has specific implications for the maintenance of biodiversitywithin the park.

The management of fire within bushland on urban fringes must address the oftenmutually exclusive objectives of protecting life and property whilst promoting andsustaining biodiversity. Hazard reduction burns are mostly of insufficient intensity andare undertaken in restricted seasonal times to maximise the occurrence of plant speciesdiversity. The Bush Fires Act 1949 is special legislation, which ensures the former takesprecedence over other forms of fire use that may be supported by other legislation.Council has determined that the Woollahra municipality is not a fire-prone area but thatscope exists for the use of fuel reduction burns as a management tool within regenerationactivities undertaken within Council’s bushland parks23. Any experimentation withconservation fires should be conducted in consultation with a plant ecologist to determinesize, placement, intensity, and season of burn and likely outcome for plant speciesdiversity. It is likely that high intensity pile burns may be the most appropriate treatmentconsidering the park’s urban context.

3.2.6 Habitat Creation

Inherent in the bush regeneration process is the need to be mindful of habitatrequirements for fauna. In particular this requires some appreciation of the structuralelement of vegetation. Habitat types such as tree hollows are lacking in Cooper Park withmost Eucalypts of an older age class having been logged last century. In response to this,possum and bird boxes have been and will be constructed and placed at strategiclocations to help compensate for this habitat loss within the park.

3.2.7 Lower Cooper Park

The open grassed area bordering Suttie Road at the western end of the park and otherwiseknown as Lower Cooper Park is framed by steep embankments on its northern andsouthern perimeter. Both of these embankments are almost totally weed-infested withsome remnant Eucalyptus ssp. occurring on the southern side. Current maintenanceinvolves the occasional removal of vines from significant trees on the southernembankment. Given the aspect, occurrence of uncontrolled drainage, altered soil profile


29

and chemistry of this area it would be inappropriate to apply a bush regenerationapproach. Previous attempts in this regard have proven unsustainable and not costeffective.

Nonetheless, recent community interest in the site by residents of Edward Street hasindicated a preparedness by those residents to become involved in an appropriaterestoration treatment of the southern embankment and its subsequent maintenance. Thiscould be viewed as a component of volunteer involvement within the park’s bushregeneration program (Section 3.8.1). An appropriate treatment would involve theestablishment and maintenance of native tree species (the selection of which is to bedetermined by park staff) across the embankment whilst tolerating a climax weedcommunity as a soil stabilizing groundcover and understorey.

The northern embankment will be the subject of a mixed native planting to complimentthe remnant bushland vegetation on the northern side of the park’s entrance road. Theplanting will include Figs Ficus ssp. to facilitate the provision of shade during summermonths. Planting will be undertaken in accordance with the considerations outlined inSection 3.2.3. The Cottonwoods Populus deltoides in this area are in a state of declineand will eventually be the subject of a staged removal.

3.3 Recreation

The provision of recreation opportunity and the protection of recreational value are keyoutcomes contained in the core objectives for community land categories as set out in theLGA 1993. Issues identified in relation to Cooper Park are set below.

3.3.1 Children in the Landscape

The traditional response to children’s recreational needs within open space managementis through the provision of playground equipment within a designated location. CooperPark has such equipment situated within its central picnic area. Whilst this generallyserves a child’s need for physically active play, it may not wholly satisfy this need orother needs relating to creative, social/ dramatic and cognitive play 6. In this context,Cooper Park’s complexity of landscape represents a broader provision of recreationalopportunity in terms of its variety of environmental spaces providing a setting forimaginative exploration and interpretation by children.

Allowing off-path access by children in the park’s bushland areas is incompatible withobjectives of the park’s bush regeneration program due to plant disturbance, soilcompaction and erosion associated with ‘trampling’. Nonetheless, it is possible that thisuse can be regulated through a zone approach. Such an approach would toleratedisturbance in small ‘preferred’ play areas close to picnic areas where such a concessionhas no permanent adverse effect on the park’s overall environmental integrity.Conversely, such use would be discouraged in ‘preferred’ play areas that are withinenvironmentally sensitive sites through the use of physical barriers and/or signage. Thelatter is most effective where parental guidance is present.


30

3.3.2 A Second Playground

Community opinion currently points to a need for a second children’s playground withinthe northern extension of Cooper Park between Streatfield Road and Cooper Park Road.The rationale determining whether a second playground is appropriate will be based onperceived child catchments and access both in terms of the overall distribution ofplaygrounds within the municipality, and the effect that major arterial roads and othergeographical features have on pedestrian access. At present there is a relatively highdensity of playgrounds within this part of the municipality. Others in the area occur atHarbourview Park (off Edward Street), Cooper Park (off Northland Road), PlumbReserve (off Fletcher Street) and Bradley Ave. Reserve (off Victoria Road). Installationof a second playground should proceed if considered appropriate.

3.3.3 Exercise Station

Community consultation has identified an increasing interest in physical fitness and anassociated demand for the provision of fitness and exercise equipment within public openspace areas. Accordingly, the installation of appropriate fitness and exercise equipment tocomplement existing recreational opportunity within Cooper Park would be appropriate.Placement would be suitable within areas with designated ‘park’ land categorisation(Map 3 ).

3.3.4 Cricket Practice Nets

The practice cricket nets at Lower Cooper Park have been a point of some conflictbetween cricketers and other park users in relation to wayward balls threatening injury.Appropriate signage will be placed on-site directing users to be mindful of other parkusers.

3.3.5 Companion Animals

There are strongly divided opinions on the appropriate level and type of control thatcompanion animals, particularly dogs, should be afforded by their owners within publicopen space. Woollahra Council has adopted a zoning approach (3 categories) in anattempt to accommodate this diversity of community opinion. Within Cooper Park, dogsare permitted in all areas if leashed at all times (Category B). Cooper Park is extremelypopular with dog walkers particularly on Lower Cooper adjacent Suttie Road during thelate afternoon. On nearby Lough Playing Fields dogs are permitted on a leash at all timesand unleashed between 4.30pm and 8.30am (Category C). This provides a convenientoption for users of Cooper Park to allow their dogs unleashed exercise.


31

Problems associated with dog use in Cooper Park include:

• unleashed dogs interfering with the leisure experience of other park users

• uncollected dog droppings

• disturbance of the creek system (ie interference with creek fauna including ducks andincreased turbidity affecting freshwater invertebrate and plant life ecology),disturbance of fauna generally, disturbance of plantings in garden beds.

Accordingly, there needs to be increased enforcement of the dog control categories byCouncil’s Ordinance Officers coupled with the appropriate provision of signage in keyareas. In the absence of enforceable sanction for the transgression of dog controlordinances then appropriate behaviour by many dog owners cannot be expected.Additionally, an interpretive treatment addressing the community values underlying dogcontrol ordinances may result in an increase in freely chosen appropriate behaviour bydog owners utilizing Cooper Park.

Cats have proven to be an after hour problem in Cooper Park preying on native fauna atnight. This issue will be dealt with within the park’s interpretive plan encouragingresponsible cat ownership.

The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 requires that councils promote responsibleanimal ownership through environmental initiatives. The placement of simple interpretivesigns within the park encouraging dog owners to retrieve and dispose of their dog’sfaeces in an appropriate manner has resulted in a reduction of deposited dog faeces withinthe park. These signs will be maintained and increased. It is not considered appropriatethat bag dispensers for faeces collection be installed in Cooper Park due to theirsusceptibility to vandal attack. Rather the responsibility of bag procurement and bagcarrying should rest with the dog owner.

3.3.6 The Amphitheatre

The natural earthen amphitheatre bordering Victoria Road at the eastern end of the parkwas constructed during the 1930s. It later became a venue for various cultural events, inparticular, the staging of classical concerts during the 1950s which were broadcastthroughout the State by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission). The last use ofthe site for the staging of a significant cultural event was during the Bicentennialcelebrations of 1988.

A community desire to restore the amphitheatre’s former use was made evident duringthe consultation process that formed part of this plan’s preparation. The present


32

condition of the site is not amenable to such a use and it will take substantial restorationto bring it to an appropriate standard. It is possible that the cost of such works ifundertaken could be recouped through the rental of the site for community events. It isrecommended that consideration be given to the restoration of the amphitheatre toaccommodate the staging of cultural events and the feasibility of such action determined.This would be compatible with the core objective s.36H as provided by the LGA 1993 forthe area’s ‘park’ land categorisation which aims ‘to encourage, promote and facilitaterecreational, cultural, social and educational pastimes and activities’.

3.4 Heritage

The categorisation of Cooper Park as an area of cultural significance requires that itssignificance be retained and enhanced through the active use of conservation methods.These methods may include the protective care, maintenance, restoration, reconstruction,adaptive use and/ or preservation of the physical material of the land.

As a basis for this management objective, it is recommended that a Heritage Study of thepark be undertaken in order to establish:-

1) How and to what degree each element of the park’s ‘fabric’ contributes to the park’scultural significance2) The present condition of these elements and,3) Recommendations on the most appropriate conservation methods to apply to ensure

their proper protection / restoration.

The ‘fabric’ in this instance refers specifically to the park’s architectural featuresincluding bridges, paths, retaining walls, grottos, gazebos, tennis courts, tennis kiosk,name plaque, stairs and perimeter walls, its natural elements and any object or materialindicating previous Aboriginal occupation of the area (Section 2.6.2). In respect of thelatter, the discovery of any new material should be made known to both the La PerouseLand Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of New South Wales (NPWS).

The park’s bush regeneration program forms the protective and restorative basis for theappropriate management of the setting or context of the area of cultural significance andin this regard would not have to receive detailed treatment in the proposed heritage study.Nonetheless, Council should consider encouraging staff involved in the park’s bushregeneration program to discuss with NPWS representatives methods of identifying andavoiding accidental damage to actual or possible Aboriginal sites whilst undertakingregeneration activities9. Additionally, it is appropriate that any interpretive strategydeveloped for the park include a detailed treatment of the park’s cultural significanceinclusive of its Aboriginal heritage.


33

3.4.1 Tree Management

Part of the visual amenity and cultural significance of Cooper Park derives from groupplantings of large northern hemisphere deciduous tree species, such as Plane TreePlatanus x acerifolia, Cottonwood, Populus deltoides and Liquidamber Liquidamberstyraciflua, and non-endemic native deciduous trees, Illawarra Flame Tree Brachychitonacerifolia and Kurrajong, Brachychiton discolor. Some of these plantings are associatedwith the park’s initial ‘pleasure garden’ thematic development but in some areas appeardisjunctive and haphazard considering their juxtaposition within a bushland context.

The Liquidambars in the central picnic area are in a state of decline suffering fromincluded bark and fungal attack. Major branch failure has been a problem and resulted inthe removal of several individuals over the past decade. It is proposed that theLiquidambers west of the central bridge be subject to a staged removal and replaced withgrouped native plantings, some of which have already been established. TheLiquidambers east of the bridge will also be subject to a staged removal but replaced withadvanced Liquidambers (some of which are already in place) in order to perpetuate theoriginal theme. The steepness of the gully at this point allows for structural harmonybetween the Liquidambers and the surrounding bushland.

Cottonwoods at Bellevue Gardens at the eastern end of the park adjacent to the slip railentrance are in a state of decline and have suffered major branch failure. All of theseCottonwoods are currently the subject of a staged removal. Replacement Cottonwoodshave been planted at a greater distance from the closest residence. Cottonwoods along theentrance road off Suttie Road at the western end of the park are also in a state of declineand will require removal. A mixed native planting that complements adjacent bushlandwould be an appropriate treatment for this embankment area. The inclusion of Figs Ficusssp. in this planting will serve to replace, over time, the structural amenity and shadecurrently provided by the Cottonwoods (Section 3.2.7).

The Illawarra Flame Trees bordering the flight of stairs at the park’s Victoria Roadentrance are of inconsistent character as a formal planting and in poor health. Theirretention and care or replacement with species of appropriate character and structure willbe contingent upon the provision of a practical maintenance system, which wouldconceivably extend to the installation of an irrigation system. A similar treatment wouldbe appropriate for the flat area that skirts the perimeter sandstone wall on both Victoriaand Bellevue Roads to fill existing gaps. Such treatments however, should be mindful ofthe impact on associated maintenance such as grass mowing.

Similarly, a perimeter planting of large shade trees of consistent character will beestablished on the edge of the park’s northern extension between Cooper Park Road andStreatfield Road to complement existing canopies.


34

3.5 Education, Interpretation and Signage

3.5.1 Education

A significant number of students, school groups and university staff utilise Cooper Parkas a resource for environmental studies particularly within the bushland and watercourseareas. Use of the resource in this manner adds value to primary conservation objectivesand should be permitted and, where possible encouraged. The development of aninformation package centred on the park’s environmental qualities would be anappropriate response to the demand for the park as an educational resource. Suchpackages would conceivably extend to issues dealing with Aboriginal and Europeanhistory within the Cooper Park area. Importantly, provision should be made to ensurethat any activities associated with the park’s educational use do not compromise theintegrity of the park’s natural and built elements.

3.5.2 Interpretation

Interpretation generally is undervalued as a management tool within open spacemanagement. An adequate system of interpretation has the potential to enhance visitorsatisfaction and strengthen the park’s role as an educational resource. Importantly, thiswould serve to encourage community awareness, understanding of and support for theconservation rationale that underlies the management of the park’s natural areas.Similarly, an interpretive program would provide an opportunity to promote heritagevalues generally and encourage park users and local residents to adopt appropriatebehaviour in relation to preserving the integrity of the park’s natural and built elements.Importantly, an interpretive approach within a natural area context would also beamenable to an analysis of the Aboriginal history of the local area. Interpretativetechniques may variously involve the use of display material in the park’s informationbay or at key points throughout the park, guided walks and maps for orientation at accesspoints. A draft interpretive plan5 was prepared by the park’s Area Team Leader in 1995.This plan should be consulted in the development of an overall interpretive strategy forthe park. Such a strategy should ensure interpretive elements are co-ordinated and thatdesired objectives be clearly defined. Additionally, the development of an interpretivestrategy should be preceded by an up to date park user survey to ascertain the profile of alikely target audience.

3.5.3 Signage

Signage within public open space is required for purposes of visitor orientation,interpretation, regulating appropriate use and ensuring visitor safety. Signage withinmuch of Sydney’s public open space varies in terms of the graphic and literary styleemployed and in terms of its construction and placement. Woollahra Council needs todevelop a unified municipal approach to signage ensuring consistency of style,construction and siting principles based on rules of user perception and effectiveness. Thedevelopment of such an approach would be appropriate for signage within Cooper Park.


35

3.6 Stormwater management

There are specific problems associated with stormwater flows that enter and pass throughCooper Park (Section 2.2). Large volumes of stormwater cause erosion and siltation anddeliver nutrient loads and other pollutants (both visible and dissolved) to the park. Thephysical disturbance of soil in conjunction with changes in soil chemistry compromisethe ability of native vegetation to establish and remain established. Moreover, this type ofdisturbance supports weed establishment and infestation. A Stormwater ManagementPlan for Cooper Park was prepared in 1992 by Patterson Britton and Partners. Themajority of plan prescriptions have been implemented. However, during the five-yearimplementation period some further stormwater problems have been identified and somebudgetary estimations have been inaccurate. Major drainage problems remaining arelisted below with action responses listed in Section 5 and summarised in the Masterplan(Map 7):

• Uncontrolled stormwater flow entering park at Small Street and Small Lane• Dispersed drainage along northeastern perimeter• Soakage area at Bellevue Gardens• Soakage area along southern perimeter of Lower Cooper Park• Piped stormwater discharging from driveway off Cooper Park Road at Northland

Road hairpin• Small diameter pipe discharging stormwater south of eastern pond below

Bellevue Gardens• Need for Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) placement in drain inlets on park perimeter• Need for regular dredge of eastern pond sediment trap, repair of leak and

complete construction of the perimeter wall• Uncontrolled single property stormwater discharges along park perimeter• Destabilised creek embankment at pipe entry at Lower Cooper Park• Destabilised creek embankments generally

Water quality tests undertaken at four sites within Cooper Park during 1999 show goodresults for nitrate, dissolved oxygen and pH and variable but generally poor results forconcentrations of reactive phosphate, copper and turbidity. The first and last indicate ahigh nutrient and sediment load respectively at the sites tested and confirms what isgenerally known of the polluted status of urban stormwater. The only response possible atthis stage is to keep all drainage within designated drainage lines to minimise theopportunity for nutrient loading of soils away from these areas and to maintain the use ofthe eastern pond below the Bellevue Gardens retaining wall as a regularly servicedsediment trap.


36

3.7 Miscellaneous Issues

3.7.1 9a Cooper Park Road

The most recent addition to the park’s land area was in 1992 when Council gainedownership of 3096 m2 of land at 9a Cooper Park Road (Map 2) as part of a developer’s(Sunlord’s) compliance with Section 94 of the Environmental Planning and AssessmentAct 1979. It contains a disused grass tennis court (a former bowling green), formerbowling clubhouse and store, and a derelict brick house. It was once the site of theBellevue Hill Bowling Club, but today is not used for any purpose. The land has a threemetre wide access to Cooper Park Road and a similar narrow access to the main body ofCooper Park along the northern perimeter of the site. The site affords extensive views tothe south across the main valley of the park towards Bondi Junction. Due to its shape,steep and narrow access, proximity to residences, and poor visibility into the land fromthe street, it is not an easy site for which to find an appropriate use. Considering thepark’s importance as a bushland remnant, it is probably best managed as an extension ofthe park’s vegetated area concentrating on the maintenance and enhancement ofbiodiversity. However, considering the total amelioration of the soil profile in part of thesite it may be appropriate to utilize that part for ‘general community use’ in the form of a‘community garden’ based on ecologically sustainable management practices. Theperiphery of the site could still contain a bushland element that could be maintained aspart of the operation of the garden providing a diverse experience for probableparticipants.

Nonetheless, a call for expressions of interest to utilize the site under lease or licencefor an appropriate recreational or community use should be pursued. In the interim itwould be appropriate to seal off the site, ensure it is safe and undertake basicmaintenance.

3.7.2 Vandalism

Vandalism here is broadly interpreted to include human behaviour that degrades any partof the park’s fabric. This may include behaviour that is non-intentional in respect of thedamage it causes. Vandalism within the park is usually represented by the placing ofgraffiti on built structures such as sheds, grottos and signage, the defacing and movementof park furniture, the indiscriminate breaking of glass bottles, collection of barbecuewood from bushland areas, uncontrolled access into sensitive bushland areas, the takingof flora, fauna and bushrock, the distribution of litter, occasional fire damage and damageto vegetation. Attempted and or successful break-ins at the tennis kiosk are also a notedform of vandalism.

The individual motivations of vandalism are complex with up to nineteen behaviouralcategories being identified 3. It is beyond the scope of this plan to develop broad socialsolutions to vandal behaviour. However, within the context of this plan the most practicalresponse is a ‘situational’6 one that concentrates on site-based design and placement


37

solutions to reduce opportunity. If this extends to site hardening it should be donesympathetically in relation to the character of the park environment. A continuousimprovement approach should be adopted in respect of a situational response to vandalbehaviour whereby the efficacy of certain anti-vandal treatments is evaluated over timeand if proven inappropriate then modified until a desirable outcome is achieved.

Additionally, there is scope for the use of interpretive techniques to combat the probablynon-intentional vandalism of over the fence dumping of garden refuse on the parkperimeter and the taking of barbecue wood within the park’s bushland areas.

3.7.3 Woodchip Pile

Lower Cooper Park is the site for a storage pile of woodchip created by Council’smunicipal street tree pruning operations. The woodchip is used by Council staff involvedin the maintenance of municipal garden beds. The positioning of the site and itsassociated use by heavy vehicles has resulted in soil compaction and loss of turf cover inthe surrounding area. Additionally, there has been some resident concern with the size ofthe pile and the impact it has on visual amenity. Accordingly, it is recommended that as astorage pile, its size be reduced and repositioned to the rear of the present site and turfrepair take place. Additionally, the access haulage line will be reduced and hardened inorder to reduce erosion and the size of the compacted area, the dumping of woodchip byprivate contractors will be discouraged and the direct delivery of woodchip on site towork areas encouraged.

3.7.4 General Maintenance and Park Furniture

General maintenance consists of lawnmowing, rubbish removal, recycling, amenitiescleaning; garden bed maintenance and minor landscaping work. This work will continueto be rationalised in order to improve general amenity whilst reducing maintenance times.Park Furniture consists of seating, tables, rubbish and recycle bins. The provision anddistribution of these items throughout the park will be rationalised to maximise utilitywhilst minimising the time devoted to their maintenance.

3.8 Human Resource Management

3.8.1 Volunteer Management

Succinctly put, a volunteer is someone who chooses to ‘act in recognition of a need, withan attitude of social responsibility and without concern for monetary profit, going beyondwhat is necessary for one’s physical well-being’4. An individual’s propensity to volunteeris determined by an interaction between personal or internal needs and a set of externalconditions related to a perceived community need. The altruistic motive, the desire toassist, of social concern and responsibility was shown to be the most important reason forvolunteers offering their services according to two South Australian surveys 15. Othercommon reasons given for voluntary participation are, to gain experience and self-knowledge, to gain achievement, to meet expectations of others, to increase social


38

contact, to gain recognition, to fill leisure time, to express self and to express specificinterest in the cause or activity 4. In this regard, Cooper Park’s bush regenerationprogram presents an opportunity for individuals within the local community to satisfysocial and other personal needs whilst contributing to bushland conservation. Over thelast decade Cooper Park’s program of work has accommodated the casual involvement ofvolunteers from the local community.

The degree to which volunteer labour has been successfully utilized within the park’sbush regeneration program has depended on the complexity of the site and the skill levelof the participant relative to the supervisor/ volunteer ratio. This is especially relevantwithin Cooper Park where there is a significant level of remnant vegetation formingrelatively complex plant communities. By comparison, the formal volunteer programundertaken in nearby Harbourview Park (and in which Cooper Park staff providesupervision each Thursday and Saturday) is based on relatively straightforward weedclearance and revegetation/ planting. Accordingly, volunteer involvement within CooperPark’s bush regeneration process should be encouraged but monitored to ensure qualityoutcomes. A preferred supervisor/ volunteer ratio at complex sites would be 1:2.

The involvement of the local community within the management of open space isconsistent with objectives contained within, the ‘Council’s Charter’ of the LocalGovernment Act 1993, the Woollahra Management Plan 1998/1999 to 2000/2001 and theWoollahra Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Strategy 1992.

3.8.2 Park Staffing

Approximately, 45% of Cooper Park’s 12 hectares of bushland has received primarytreatment and is now on maintenance. As primary weed removal proceeds therequirement for maintenance labour input over a larger area increases despite improvingplant community stability (a reduction in per hectare maintenance times) within thoseareas. Moreover, if a newly worked area has moderate regeneration potential or highweed establishment potential, then the time lapse between initial weed removal and anendpoint exhibiting sustainable plant community stability lengthens. Bush regeneration isa labour intensive process that brings results over a large area. Accordingly, theimplementation success of Cooper Park’s bush regeneration program hinges on thesustainability of an adequate staffing level over time. The history of bush regenerationwork within Cooper Park to date has followed an ecologically sound process of workingfrom good areas to bad. Consequently, remaining areas to receive primary treatment haveat best moderate natural regeneration potential and will therefore require a slower pace ofprimary weed removal and a more intensive maintenance stage. Given a permanent staffof six and a continuing National Trust contract it is estimated that the area of bushland/potential bushland within the park will be on maintenance within 20 years.

Cooper Park is presently experiencing a staff shortage. An increase and/or redistributionof hours between National Trust contract areas within the Woollahra Municipality inorder to favour Cooper Park is being considered. There is community support for the re-establishment of a permanent staffing level of 6 (six) within the park.


39

3.9 Leases and Licences

There are two licences current at Cooper Park. No other leases or licences are proposedunder this plan of management except for a potential lease or licence of the area at 9aCooper Park Road which will be subject to further investigation.

There is one licence issued to Cooper Park Tennis Courts and Kiosk. The term of thelicence is for 10 (ten) years from 1 July 1996. The licence area comprises 8 tennis courts,a kiosk, public toilets and grass verges. Permissible uses involve the use of the tenniscourts for social tennis, competitions and coaching; a kiosk for serving and selling lightrefreshments and pro shop for selling tennis-related equipment.

The other licence is issued to Miroma, a day care centre providing programs for adultswith disabilities, for use of the Cooper Park Road Community Hall. Miroma uses the halleach week day between 9 am and 3.30 pm for activities for small groups of adults withdisabilities. The term of the lease is for 5 (five) years from 1 July 1999. The hall is usedby the general community at other times.

Any lease or licence granted must comply with the core objectives of the relevantcommunity land categorisation though existing agreements remain unaffected by theprovisions of the Act until their expiry date. The latter is the case for the present lease andlicence. Nonetheless, the current lease is consistent with the core objectives for landcategorised as being for general community use and the current licence is consistentwith the core objectives for land categorised as sportsground.

3.10 Park Hire

Woollahra Council hires out parks and reserves for organized activities such asweddings, wedding photographs, film shoots, social gatherings and sporting events. It isimportant that the undertaking of any such activities does not compromise the coremanagement objectives for any identified land category.


40

4.0 BASIS FOR MANAGEMENT

4.1 Cooper Park Valued

Legislative land categorisation, Council land management goals, community preferenceand a listing with the Australian Heritage Commission reflect the specific valuesattributed to Cooper Park. These values can be variously described as being educational,scientific, recreational, cultural, aesthetic, historical, social and natural. It is upon thesevalues that the goal and objectives within this plan of management are based. Theprotection and enhancement of these values is consistent with objectives contained withinlegislation, related policies, plans and initiatives noted in Section 1.2 and detailed inAppendix 1. Cooper Park values comprise:

Educational value as a site for environmental and cultural studies by primary, secondaryand tertiary students

Scientific value as a site for studying the ecology of flora, fauna and other life formswithin an urban context and as a site containing a threatened plant species

Recreational value as a park providing a range of recreation opportunity settings

Cultural value for its ability to impart a sense of cultural relatedness stemming from theromantic garden theme and bushland context of its recreational development and, itsearlier Aboriginal history

Aesthetic value stemming from the architectural layout and design of its recreationinfrastructure and the naturalistic beauty of its bushland setting

Historical value as a reminder of, the area’s Aboriginal presence, the early period ofEuropean colonisation, a mostly lost community of local flora and fauna and as a recordof early 20th century landscape development

Social value as a setting for a variety of social interactions

Natural Value - as an island of bushland within an urban landscape, traversed by anatural watercourse and providing habitat for flora, fauna and other life forms

4.2 Goal

‘A park primarily valued for its remnant bushland character exhibiting a highlevel of local endemic biodiversity, presenting a diverse range of recreation

opportunity settings, and managed sustainably in relation to its overall heritagesignificance’.


41

4.3 Objectives Explained

The Local Government Act 1993 as amended 1998 provides sets of core objectives inassociation with each land category (Appendix 5) which gives general guidance to theformulation of management action. Fully interpreted these core objectives accommodatethe formulation of specific objectives that address all site-based and other planning issuesand ensure the protection of identified values for Cooper Park.

The diversity of land categories identified within Cooper Park illustrates the managementchallenge that faces the often mutually exclusive objectives of natural area/ heritageconservation and recreational use. The objectives contained within this plan are mindfulof the need to reconcile in part the cross-purposes associated with such juxtaposed values.

The Action Plan (Section 5) groups objectives according to each of the planning issuesdiscussed in Section 3. Each specific objective will follow an abbreviated reference toone or more relevant core objectives. Each issue may generate a number of specificobjectives and subsequently one or more actions.

5.0 ACTION PLAN

Action Plan Tables have been constructed for each of the legislative land categoriesidentified for Cooper Park. This serves to make clear the link between core objectivesand management action. Accordingly, seven Action Plan Tables are presented includingone for, Bushland, Watercourse, Sportsground, Park, Area of Cultural Significanceand General Community Use. An extra category ‘Park as a Whole’ has been created toaddress whole park issues. It should be noted that recommended actions maysimultaneously satisfy core objectives in a number of categories other than the one forwhich they occur. Recommended actions are assigned a time-based priority rating whichin turn form this plan’s strategy to be implemented over a five-year period. Priorityratings are assigned within the Action Plan Tables according to the following code:

S - Short Term (completed by Year 1- 2)

M – Mid Term (completed by Year 3 - 4)

L - Long Term (completed by Year 5)

O - Ongoing

Specific site-based actions are presented geographically in Map 7 – the Masterplan


42

Action Responsibility is nominated according to the following code:

MPS - Manager Parks and Streetscape

MHR - Manager Health and Regulatory

ATL - Area Team Leader

MPI - Manager Public Infrastructure

PS - Park Staff

HO - Heritage Officer

MWS - ManagerWorks and Services

TLT - Team Leader - Traffic

Performance Indicators and Assessment Methods (described Section 6) appear also inconjunction with each recommended action within the Action Plan Tables (Section 5) asa means of gauging the success of action implementation. Finally, Cost Estimates appearwhere applicable.


43


44


45


46


47


48


49


50


51


52


53


54


55


56

6.0 REVIEW

Performance indicators and assessment methods appear in association with eachrecommended action within the Action Plan Tables. The methods of review consist ofannual reports, observations by park staff, photographic records, park diary entries, themaintenance of species lists and nursery and planting records, park user surveys and themonitoring of resident complaints.

Park User Surveys can serve multiple purposes. They can help:

• gauge the success of plan implementation

• gauge the satisfaction levels of park users

• identify emerging issues and,

• identify components and levels of recreation demand

The success of park user surveys will depend on survey structure, which in turn willdetermine how amenable responses will be to interpretation. Regular park surveys willattempt to elicit information that will support an efficient and effective allocation ofresources towards the management of Cooper Park.


57

REFERENCES

1) Campbell, W.D. (1899) Aboriginal carvings of Port Jackson and Broken Bay –Ethnological Series No.1. Department of Mines and Agriculture, Sydney.

2) Chapman, G.A., Murphy, C.L. (1989) Soil Landscapes of the Sydney1:1000,000 Sheet, Soil Conservation Service of NSW, Sydney.

3) Christiansen, M.L. (1983) Vandalism Control Management for Park andRecreation Areas. Venture Publishing, Pennsylvania.

4) Ellis and Noyes cited in Heidrich, K.W. (1990) Working with volunteers inemployee services and recreation programs. Australian Academic Press,Brisbane.

5) Hill, J. (1995) Interpretive Plan and Strategy in Support of a Bush RegenerationProgram – Cooper Park (Woollahra Council), unpublished.

6) Hitchmough, J.D. (1994) Urban Landscape Management. Inkata Press, Sydney.

7) Hobbs,R.J. (1992) Biodiversity of Meditteranean ecosystems in Australia. SurreyBeatty & Sons, Pty. Ltd., NSW.

8) Huys, Johnston and Wickman – Australian Archaeological SurveyConsultants Pty. Ltd. (1995) The Waverley Council Area, An AboriginalPerspective: A report to the Waverley Council.

9) Jack, I.R. (1984) Municipality of Woollahra – Primary Report for Heritage studyfor the Muncipality of Woollahra, Vol. 1, unpublished.

10) Jervis, J., Kelly,V. (1961) The History of Woollahra: A Record of Events from1788 to 1960 and a Centenary of Local Government. Sydney.

11) Martin, K. (1987) Cooper Park: Woollahra Municipal Council. WoollahraMunicipal Council, Sydney (unpublished).

12) McIntyre,G., Cuskelly,G. and Auld,C. (1991) The Benefits of Urban Parks: Amarket segmentation approach. Astralian Parks and Recreation, Summer.

13) National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW) (1995) Living with fire: bushfiremanagement, the community and national parks in southern NSW.


58

REFERENCES (cont.)

14) New South Wales National Parks and Widlife Service (1994)Biodiversity…nature’s creativity, our responsibility. NSWNPWS, Sydney.

15) Noble,J. (1991) Volunteering: A current perspective. The Volunteer Centre ofSouth Australia, Adelaide.

16) North Sydney Council (1995) Bushland – Plan of Management.

17) Perumal, Murphy Wu PL (1993) Waverley Heritage Study, Volumes 1-6.Prepared for Waverley Municipal Council, Sydney (unpublished).

18) Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney (1997) Letter of plant identification forsubmitted specimen. Unpublished.

19) Shannon, R. (1999) Freelance Aboriginal Interpretive Officer. Bondi, Sydney.

20) Wilcox (1984) cited in Recher,H.F. (1993) The loss of biodiversity and landscaperestoration: conservation, management and survival. An Australian perspective inSaunders,A., Hobbs,R.J. and Ehrlich,P.R. (eds.) Nature conservation3:reconstruction of fragmented ecosystems - global and regional perspectives.Surrey Beatty and SonsPty.Ltd., N.S.W.

21) Williamson,D. (1995) La Perouse Land Council.

22) Woollahra Municipal Council (1992) Woollahra Outdoor and Open SpaceStrategy. Prepared by Manidis Roberts Consultants. Unpublished.

23) Woollahra Municipal Council (1994) Prevention and Control of Bushfires.Recommendation to Council by the Community and Environmental PlanningCommittee – File No. 272.G, unpublished.


59

GLOSSARY

Community Land – The LGA 1993 requires that all Council land be classified as beingeither ‘operational’ or ‘community’ land. Community land is simply defined as landdesignated for use by the community.

Biodiversity - often interpreted simply as species richness but is more accuratelydescribed as ‘the variety of life forms, the ecological roles they perform and the geneticdiversity they contain’6

Bush Regeneration – a process by which an ecosystem is restored and maintainedprimarily through a process of weed removal so that the natural regeneration of endemicplant species can occur

Fabric - refers to the physical material associated with heritage items

Fugitive Seed Stock – refers to the possible soil-borne occurrence of viable native plantseed

Genetic integrity – refers to the maintenance of genetic purity within the subpopulationsof plant species by avoiding the introduction of plant material from geographically distantorigins

Gross Pollutant Traps – Structures designed to intercept litter within drainage systemsat a point from which the accumulated litter is easily retrievable. Acts to partially preventthe pollution of water bodies into which drainage channels discharge

Interpretation – refers to a process that utilizes various media to interpret the nature andsignificance of a particular resource for an audience that may not have a naturalunderstanding of that resource. In this plan, the interpretation of Cooper Park involvesthe presentation of its overall heritage significance and related management issues to parkusers and the local community.

Mesic – usually referring to dark green soft-leaved plant species with a high content ofmesophyll tissue. Such species typically inhabit moist, shady sites on more fertile soils

Non-endemic native plants – plants that are native to Australia but which do not have anatural distribution within the area into which they have been introduced.

Peduncle – the main stalk of an inflorescence or of a solitary flower


60


61


62


63


64


65


66


67

APPENDIX 1 - RELEVANT OBJECTIVES FROM RELATED PLANS, STRATEGIES AND LEGISLATION

Woollahra Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Strategy 1992

Corporate Philosophy

In respect of the Woollahra Municipality:• Facilitate the enhancement of the quality of life of its community• Conserve the natural and built environment of the municipality• Foster the individuality of local areas and the diverse range of lifestyles they offer yet

maintain an overall harmony within this diversity

Open Space Goals

• To develop a regional co-ordinated approach to management of open space• To satisfy the Woollahra community’s needs for open space• To encourage community participation in the management of open space

Woollahra Planning Program 1998/1999 to 2000/2001

Infrastructure

• Reduce pollution and urban run-off• To provide, maintain and manage a high standard of infrastructure for the Council

area

Community

• To provide appropriate public health services, controls and support• To promote public safety within the built environment and public domain• To satisfy needs of target groups in the municipality for leisure, arts and recreation• To protect and enhance the natural environment including Woollahra’s topography,

foreshores and vegetation, it’s natural drainage system and the quality of harbourwater

• To identify, protect and improve wildlife habitats and corridors• To protect and enhance existing vegetation on public and private land; ensuring due

consideration of views, safety, wildlife corridors, fauna and the promotion ofappropriate planting programs in keeping with the character of areas

• To provide for and maintain open space which will meet community needs and whichwill be developed in sympathy with the existing natural environment


68

APPENDIX 1 (cont.) - Relevant Objectives from Related Plans, Strategies andLegislation

Local Government Act 1993 – Council Charter

• To properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environmentof the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with andpromotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development

Woollahra Management Plan 1998-1999

Open Space/ Recreational Facilities

• To develop a planned program of maintenance and improvements consistent with therecreation needs of the community, contemporary landscaping techniques andresearch developments and manage the use of these areas, protecting the localamenity and the natural and built environments and in accordance with appropriaterisk management principles

This principal objective includes the following strategic points• Regular survey of open space users• Ensure public participation in review and design of facilities• Ensure protection of areas of remnant indigenous vegetation and encourage

biodiversity• To develop and maintain a community volunteer program within the

Municipality

Local Environmental Plan 1995

• 2(2)e(iii) To provide for a diversity of open space types and recreation opportunities• 2(2)e(iv) To allow for contributions towards the provision and embellishment of

public open space and recreation facilities• 2(2)(f) (I) To protect and enhance the natural landscapes throughout the area of

Woollahra• 2(2)f(ii) To promote the retention of trees and the planting of suitable new trees in

appropriate locations• 2(2)f(iv) To protect and enhance the environmental quality of the area of Woollahra

through the appropriate management and conservation of the existing pattern ofvegetation

• 2(2)(v) To protect the native flora and fauna• 2(2)i(ii) To encourage the optimum use of existing infrastructure• 2(2)g(I) To identify heritage items and heritage conservation areas and to provide

measures for their conservation, protection and enhancement


69

• 2(2)g(vii) to protect sites of archaeological significance

APPENDIX 2 – FLORA OF COOPER PARK

COOPER PARK NATIVE PLANT LIST (June 2000)

Note: Not all listed plants are necessarily indigenous to Cooper Park or the region.

DIVISION PTERIDIOPHYTA

FAMILY (Genus/Species) COMMON NAME

Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair FernAspleniaceae Asplenium australasicum Birds nest Fern Asplenium flabellifolium Necklace FernBlechnaceae Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern Doodia caudata Rasp FernCyatheaceae Cyathea cooperi Scaly Tree Fern Cyathea australis Rough Tree Fern Calochlaena dubia Rainbow Fern Dicksonia antarcticaDennstaedtiaceae Hypolepis punctata Downy Ground Fern Hypolepis muelleri Harsh Ground Fern Pteridium esculentum Bracken Histiopteris incisa Bats Wing Fern Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia dicarpa Pouched Coral Fern Sticherus flabellatus Fan FernLycopodiaceae Lycopodium sp. ? Club MossOsmundaceae Todea barbara King FernPolypodiaceae Platycerium bifurcatum Elkhorn Pyrrosia rupestris Rock Felt FernPteridaceae Pteris tremula Tender Brake Pteris vittata Chinese BrakeSelaginellaceae Selaginella sp. ? Swamp SelaginellaThelypteridaceae Christella dentata


70

DIVISION SPERMATOPHYTASubdivision Gymnospermae


Cupressaceae Callitris sp.Podocarpaceae Podocarpus elatus Plum PineSubdivision AngiospermaeAcanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabileAgavaceae Cordyline stricta Cordyline australis ? Cabbage Tree Doryanthes excelsa Gymea LilyAizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonioides Warrigal CabbageApiaceae Centella asiatica Indian Pennywort Hydrocotyle sp. Xanthosia pilosaAraliaceae Polyscias sambucifolius Elderberry Panax Polyscias elegans Asteraceae Cotula australis Carrot Weed Gnaphalium sphaericum Gnaphalium sp. Helichrysum diosmifoliumBignoniaceae Pandorea pandorana Wonga VineCampanulaceae Wahlenbergia sp. Blue BellCassythaceae Cassytha sp. DodderCasuarinaceae Casuarina littoralis Black She Oak Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak Casuarina cunninghamiana River OakCentrolepidaceae Centrolepis strigosaCeratophyllaceae Ceratophyllum demersum FoxtailCommelinaceae Commelina cyanea Native Wandering JewConvolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney WeedCunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle Ceratopetalum gummiferum N.S.W. Christmas Bush Ceratopetalum apetalum Coachwood Aphanopetalum resinosum Gum VineCyperaceae Cyperus imbecillis Cyperus gracilis Sedge


71

Cyperus brevifolius "


Cyperus polystachos Cyperus sesquiflorus Cyperus congestus Cyperus sanguinolentus Gahnia sieberana Gahnia clarkei Isolepis inundata Isolepis proliferaDilleniaceae Hibbertia scandens Climbing Guinea FlowerDroseraceae Drosera sp. SundewElaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash Elaeocarpus grandis QuandongEpacridaceae Monotoca elliptica Tree Broom Heath Leucopogon sp. Beard Heath Epacris longiflora Fuschia HeathEuphorbiaceae Poranthera microphylla Small Poranthera Phyllanthus gastroemii Blunt Spurge Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree Breynia oblongifolia Breynia Omolanthus nutans Bleeding HeartEupomatiaceae Eupomatia laurina BolwarraFabaceae Platylobium formosum ssp.formosum Handsome Flat Pea Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea Pultanaea linophylla Pultanaea rosmarinifoliaHaloragaceae Gonocarpus teucrioides RaspwortJuncaceae Juncus continuus Juncus usitatus Common Rush Juncus planifolius Juncus bufonius Toad RushLamiaceae Plectranthus parviflorus Westringia fructicosa Coastal Rosemary Lauraceae Neolitsia dealbata White Bolly Gum Endiandra sieberi Corkwood Cryptocarya microneura Laurel below Kunzea forestLiliaceae Dianella caerulea Flax Lily Schelhammera undulata Lilac LilyLobeliaceae Lobelia alata


72

Loganiaceae FAMILY (Genus/Species) COMMON NAME

Loganiaceae albifloraLoranthaceae Amyema sp. ? MistletoeMalvaceae Pavonia hastata PavoniaMeliaceae Synoum glandulosum Bastard RosewoodMenispermaceae Stephania japonica var. discolor Snake VineMimosaceae Acacia binervia Coast Myall Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle Acacia decurrens Black/Green Wattle Acacia elata Cedar Wattle Acacia falcata Sickle Wattle Acacia floribunda Sally Wattle Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia parramattensis Sydney Green Wattle Acacia longifolia var. sophorae Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia stricta Hop Wattle Acacia suaveolens Sweet WattleAcacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle Acacia ulicifolia Prickly MosesMoraceae Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay Fig Ficus superba Sea Fig Ficus obliquaMyrsinaceae Rapanea variabilis MuttonwoodMyrtaceae Micromyrtus ciliata Fringed Heath Myrtle Syzygium australe Brush Cherry Syzygium oleosum Acmena smithii Lillipilli Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine Lophostemon confertus Brushbox Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum Angophora costata Smooth Barked Apple Eucalyptus botryoides Mahogany Gum Eucalyptus capitellata ? Brown Stringybark Eucalyptus cinerea Argyle Apple Eucalyptus elata Willow Peppermint Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark Eucalyptus globulus Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus gummifera Red Bloodwood Eucalyptus maculata Spotted Gum Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowood Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum


73

Eucalyptus resinifera Red MahoganyFAMILY (Genus/Species) COMMON NAME

Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea Tree Leptospermum sp. Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush Callistemon salignus Willow Bottle Brush Callistemon rigidus Stiff Bottle Brush Callistemon citrinus Red Bottle Brush Melaleuca nodosa Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad Leaf Paper Bark Melaleuca stypheloides Prickly Paper Bark Melaleuca linariifolia Snow in SummerBaeckea sp. Heath MyrtleOleaceae Notelaea longifolia Mock OliveOrchidaceae Pterostylis sp. Greenhood Acianthus fornicatus Pixie Orchid Cryptostylis erectaOxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Creeping OxalisPalmae Livistona australis Cabbage Tree Palm Howea fosteriana Kentia PalmPhilesiaceae Eustrephus latifolius Wombat BerryPittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum revolutum Yellow Pittosporum Billardiera scandens Apple Berry Hymenosporum flavum Native FrangipanniPoaceae Poa affinis Danthonia longifolia Danthonia linkii Wallaby Grass Danthonia tenuior Echinopogon caespitosus Tufted Hedgehog Grass Dichelachne crinita Plume Grass Aristida vagans Wire Grass Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides var. Digitaria parviflora Paspalidium distans Entolasia stricta Wirey Panic Entolasia marginata Entolasia whiteana Oplismenus aemulus Oplismenus imbecillis Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass Botriochloa macra Red Leg Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Eragrostis brownii Brown's Love Grass


74

Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass (at Livistona)


Polygonaceae Persicaria hydropiper Persicaria decipiens Persicaria lapathifoliumProteaceae Persoonia lanceolata Lance-leaf Geebung Persoonia levis Broad-leaf Geebung Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia Banksia integrifolia Coast Banksia Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia Hakea dactyloides Broad-leaf Hakia Grevillea robusta Silky Oak Grevillea sericea Pink Spider Flower Lomatia silaifolia Crinkle Bush Stenocarpus sinuatus Fire Wheel Tree Xylomelum pyriforme Woody Pear Lambertia formosa Mountain DevilRannunculaceae Clematis aristata Old Mans BeardRhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash Pomaderris discolor ? PomaxRubiaceae Opercularia aspera Common StinkweedRutaceae Zieria smithii Zieria pilosa Phebalium dentatum Crowea salignaSapindaceae Dodonea triquetra Hop Bush Guioa semiglauca Cupaniopsis anarcardioides Tuckeroo Alectryon tomentosus Soap BerryScrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia ? Wall SpeedwellSmilaceae Smilax sp. Native SarsaparillaSterculiaceae Brachychiton acerifolium Illawarra Flame Tree Brachychiton populneus ? Kurrajong Brachychiton discolor White Kurrajong Lasiopetalum sp. Velvet BushViolaceae Viola hederacea VioletVitaceae Cissus hypoglauca Water VineXanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea arborea Grass Tree Lomandra longifolia Spiney Headed Mat Rush Lomandra multiflora Many Flowered Mat Rush


75

COOPER PARK WEED/NON-NATIVE LIST

DIVISION PTERIDIOPHYTA


Salvinaceae Salvinia molesta SalviniaDavalliaceae Nephrolepis cordifolia Fishbone fern

DIVISION SPERMATOPHYTASubdivision Gymnospermae


Cupressaceae Cedrus sp. Cupressus sp.

Subdivision Angiospermae

Acanthaceae Eranthemum pulchellum Blue Sage Hypoestes phyllostachya Polka-dot plantAgavaceae Cordyline australis?Alstroemeriaceae Alstroemeria psittacina New Zealand Christmas BellsAmaranthaceae Amaranthus sp. AmaranthAmaryllidaceae Nothoscordum inodorum Onion Weed Crinum sp.Apiaceae Apium sp. ? Sea Celery Foeniculum vulgare FennelApocynaceae Mandevilla laxa Chilean Jasmine Acokanthera oblongifoliaAraceae Zantedeschia aethiopica Colocasia sp. TaroAraliaceae Hedera helix IvyAsclepiadaceae Araujia hortorum Moth PlantAsteraceae Eupatorium adenophorum Crofton Weed Eupatorium riparium Mist Flower Conyza canadensis Canadian Fleabane Conyza albida Tall Fleabane


76

Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane


Erigeron karvinskianus Seaside Daisy Solidago canadensis var. scabra Canada Goldenrod Bidens pilosa Cobblers Peg Bidens subalternans Ambrosia sp. Rag Weed Senecio mikanioides Cape Ivy Senecio spp. Fireweed Crassocephalum crepidioides Thickhead Gnaphalium sp. Cudweed Facelis retusa Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Hypochoeris sp. Cats Ear Sonchus sp. Milk ThistleBasellaceae Anredera cordifolia Madeira VineCactaceae Opuntia stricta Prickly PearCaesalpiniaceae Cassia coluteoidesCannaceae Canna indica Indian ShotCaprifoleaceae Lonicera japonica Honey SuckleCaryophyllaceae Stellaria media Chickweed Cerastium glomeratum ? Mouse Eared Chickweed Petrorhagia velutina Silene sp. Sagina procumbens Procumbent PearlwortChenopodiaceae Chenopodium album Fat HenCommelinaceae Tradescantia albiflora Wandering JewConvolvulaceae Ipomoea cairica Coastal Morning Glory Ipomoea indica Blue Morning GloryCrassulaceae Kalanchoe tubifloraCruciferae Sisymbrium sp. Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Watercress Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherds PurseCyperaceae Cyperus eragrostisEuphorbiaceae Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant


77


Fabaceae Trifolium sp. Clover Trifolium angustifolium Narrow leaf Clover Vicia sativa Vetch Dipogon lignosus Erythrina x sykessi Coral Tree Lotus hispidusFumariaceae Fumaria sp. FumitoryHydrocharitaceae Egeria densa Elodea canadensis Canadian PondweedIridaceae Romulea rosea var. australis Onion Grass Sisyrinchium micrantheum Watsonia angusta Crocosmia x crocomiiflora CrocosmiaJuncaceae Juncus cognatusLamiaceae Leonotis leonurus Lions Ear Plectranthus ciliatus Salvia uliginosaLauraceae Cinnamomum camphora CamphorlaurelLiliaceae Protoasparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern Protoasparagus plumosus Chlorophytum commosum Spider PlantMalvaceae Hibiscus syriacus Syrian Hibiscus Modiola caroliana Carolina Marrow Malvaviscus sp. ? Sida rhombifolia Paddys LucerneNyctaginaceae Mirabilis jalapa Marvel of PeruOchnaceae Ochna serrulata Mickey Mouse PlantOleaceae Olea africana African Olive Ligustrum lucidum Broadleaf Privet Ligustrum sinense Small-leaf PrivetOnagraceae Oenothera strictaOxalidaceae Oxalis spp. OxalisPalmae Butia capitata Jelly Palm Chinese Windmill Palm Queen Palm Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Palm


78

Phoenix robelina


Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis PassionfruitPhytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra InkweedPlantaginaceae Plantago ssp. Lambs TonguePlantanaceae Plantanus x hybrida Plane Tree Poaceae Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass Briza maxima Blowfly Grass Briza minor Shivery Grass Bromus diandrus Great Brome Bromus unioloides Poa annua Winter Grass Rhynchelytrum repens Red Natal Grass Hordeum vulgare Pearl Barley Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass Arundo donax Giant Reed Eleusine tristachya Eleusine indica Crowsfoot Grass Sporobulus africanus Parramatta Grass Cynodon dactylon Couch Avena sativa Avena barbata Bearded Oats Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Ehrharta erecta Veldt Grass Ehrharta sp. Digitaria didactyla Digitaria sanguinalis Summer Grass Digitaria ciliaris ? Crab Grass Axonopus affinis Carpet Grass Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Paspalum urvillei Vasey Grass Echinochloa crus-galli Barnyard Grass Setaria palmifolia Palm Grass Setaria geniculata var. pauciseta Slender Pigeon Grass Vulpia myuros Rat's Tail Fescue Eragrostis curvula African LovegrassPolygalaceae Polygala myrtifoliaPolygonaceae Rumex brownii Swamp Dock Rumex saggitatus Potato Vine Persicaria capitata Japanese KnotweedPrimulaceae Anagallis arvensis Scarlet PimpernelRannunculaceae Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup


79


Rosaceae Rubus sp. Blackberry Prunus sp. Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Rhaphiolepis indica Indian Hawthorn Eriobotrya japonica LoquatRubiaceae Coprosma sp. Mirror PlantSaliaceae Salix babylonica Weeping WillowScrophulariaceae Cymbalaria muralis ssp.muralis Ivy leaf Toad Flax Veronica ?Simaroubaceae Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven Cardiospermum grandiflorum Balloon VineSolanaceae Solanum seaforthianum Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Tree Solanum pseudocapsicum Madeira Winter Cherry Cestrum parquii Green Cestrum Petunia sp. Wild Petunia TOMATOTropaeolaceae Tropaeolum majus NasturtiumUlmaceae Celtis occidentalis HackberryUrticacae Parietaria judaica Dead NettleVerbenaceae Verbena bonariensis Purple Top Verbena officinalis Common Verbena Lantana camara Lantana Lantana montevidensis Creeping LantanaViolaceae Viola sp. PansyZingiberaceae Hedychium gardneranum Kahili Ginger


80

APPENDIX 3 – FAUNA OF COOPER PARK

REPTILES

Common Name Scientific Name

Snakes Swamp Snake Hemiapsis signata

Lizards Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko Phyllurus platurusFence Skink Cryptoblepharus virgatusEastern Water Skink Eulamprus guichenotiGarden Skink Lampropholis guichenotiThree-toed skink Saiphos equalisWeasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinaGully Skink Saproscincus galliiEastern Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides ssp. scincoides

Tortoise Long-necked Tortoise Chelodina longicollis

BIRDS (1988-99)


Superb blue wren Malurus cyaneus White-necked heron Ardea pacifica White-faced heron Ardea novaehollandiae White ibis Threskiornis molucca Black duck Anas superciliosa Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Domestic pigeon * Colua livia Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Sulphur-crested cockatoo Cacatua galerita Rainbow lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Scaly-breasted lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus King parrot Alisterus scapularis Crimson rosella Platycerus elegans Eastern rosella Platycerus eximius Port Lincoln parrot Barnardius zonarius (aviary escapee) Red-rumped parrot Psephotus haematonotus Indian koel Eudynamys scolopacea Tawny frogmouth Podargus strigoides


81

Laughing kookaburra Dacelo gigas

APPENDIX 3 (cont.) – FAUNA OF COOPER PARK

BIRDS (1988-99)


Dollar bird Eurystomus orientalis Welcome swallow Hirundo neoxena Black-faced cuckoo Coracina novaehollandiae Red-whiskered bulbul * Pycnonotus jocosus Grey shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica Grey fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Willie wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Red wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Noisy miner Manorina melanocephala White-plumed honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Spotted pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Silvereye Zosterops lateralis Red-browed firetail Emblema temporalis Spangled drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Australian magpie lark rallina cyanoleuca Australian magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Pied currawong Strepera graculina Australian raven Corvus coronoides Crested pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus Grey Butcherbird Craticus torquatus White-breasted sea eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Barking Owl Ninox connivens (not 100% ID. - possibly Boobook)

* indicates introduced species


82

APPENDIX 4 - SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA USED BY THE AUSTRALIANHERITAGE COMMISSION IN ITS ASSESSMENT OF COOPER PARK:-

Criterion A: Its importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia's natural or culturalhistory

A.1 Importance in the evolution of Australian flora, fauna, landscapes or climate

A.3 Importance in exhibiting unusual richness or diversity of flora, fauna, landscapes orcultural features.

Criterion B: Its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Australia'snatural or cultural history

B.2 Importance in demonstrating a distinctive way of life, custom, process, land use,function or design no longer practised, in danger of being lost, or of exceptional interest.

Criterion D: Its importance in demonstrating the principle characteristic of:(I) A class of Australia's natural or cultural places; or(II) A class of Australia's natural or cultural environments.

D.1 Importance in demonstrating the principle characteristics of the range of landscapes,environments, ecosystems, the attributes of which identify them as being characteristic oftheir class.

Criterion F: Its importance demonstrating a high degree of creative or technicalachievement at a particular period

F.1 Importance for their technical, creative, design or artistic excellence, innovation orachievement.


83

APPENDIX 5 - CORE OBJECTIVES FOR COMMUNITY LANDCATEGORISATIONS

s.36E CORE OBJECTIVES FOR COMMUNITY LAND CATEGORISED AS ANATURAL AREA

A) To conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem function in respect ofthe land, or the feature or habitat in respect of which the land iscategorised as a natural area, and

B) To maintain the land, or that feature or habitat, in its natural state orsetting, and

C) To provide for the restoration and regeneration of the land, andD) To provide for community use and access to the land in such a manner

as will minimise and mitigate any disturbance caused by humanintrusion, and

E) To assist in and facilitate the implementation of any provisions restrictingthe use and management of the land that are set out in a recovery plan orthreat abatement plan prepared under the Threatened SpeciesConservation Act 1995 or the Fisheries Management Act 1994

s.36F CORE OBJECTIVES FOR MANAGEMENT OF COMMUN ITY LANDCATEGORISED AS A SPORTSGROUND

A) To encourage , promote and facilitate recreational pursuits in thecommunity involving organised and informal sporting activities andgames, and

B) to ensure that such activities are managed having regard to any adverseimpact on nearby residences.

s.36G CORE OBJECTIVES FOR MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY LANDCATEGORISED AS A PARK

A) To encourage, promote and facilitate recreational, cultural, social and educationalpastimes and activities, and

B) To provide for passive recreational activities or pastimes and for the casualplaying of games, and

C) To improve the land in such a way as to promote and facilitate its use to achievethe other core objectives for its management


84

APPENDIX 5 (cont.) – CORE OBJECTIVES FOR COMMUNITY LANDCATEGORISATIONS

s.36H CORE OBJECTIVES FOR MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY LANDCATEGORISED AS AN AREA OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

1) To retain and enhance the cultural significance of the area (namely its Aboriginal,aesthetic, archaeological, historical, technical or research or social significance) for past,present or future generations by the active use of conservation methods2) Those conservation methods may include any or all of the following methods and

relate to the land and any buildings erected thereon:-A) The continuous protective care and maintenance of the physical material

of the land or of the context and setting of the area of cultural significance,B) The restoration of the land, that is, the returning of the existing physical

material of the land to a known earlier state by removing accretions or byreassembling existing components without the introduction of newmaterial,

C) The reconstruction of the land, that is, the returning of the land as nearlypossible to a known earlier state,

D) The adaptive reuse of the land, that is, the enhancement or reinforcementof the cultural significance of the land by the introduction of sympatheticalterations or additions to allow compatible uses (that is, uses that involveno changes to the cultural significance of the physical material of the area,or uses that involve changes that are substantially reversible or changesthat require a minimum impact),

E) The preservation of the land , that is, the maintenance of the physicalmaterial of the land in its existing state and the retardation of deteriorationof the land

s.36I CORE OBJECTIVES FOR MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNTIY LANDCATEGORISED GENERAL COMMUNITY USE

To promote, encourage and provide for the use of land, and to provide facilitieson the land, to meet the current and future needs of the local community and of the widerpublic:

A) in relation to public recreation and the physical , cultural, social andintellectual welfare or development of individual members of the public,and

B) in relation to purposes for which a lease, licence or other estate may begranted in respect of the land (other than the provision of public utilitiesand work associated with or ancillary to public utilities).


85

APPENDIX 5 (cont.) – CORE OBJECTIVES FOR COMMUNITY LANDCATEGORISATIONS

s.36J CORE OBJECTIVES FOR COMMUNITY LAND CATEGORISED ASBUSHLAND

A) To ensure the ongoing ecological viability of the land by protecting theecological biodiversity and habitat values of the land, the flora and fauna(including invertebrates, fungi and micro-organisms) of the land and otherecological values of the land, and

B) To protect the aesthetic, heritage, recreational, educational and scientificvalues of the land, and

C) To promote the management of the land in a manner that protects andenhances the values and quality of the land and facilitates publicenjoyment of the land, and to implement measures directed to minimisingor mitigating any disturbance caused by human intrusion, and

D) To restore degraded bushland, andE) To protect existing landforms such as natural drainage lines, watercourses

and foreshores, andF) To retain bushland in parcels of a size and configuration that will enable

the existing plant and animal communities to survive in the long term, andG) To protect bushland as a natural stabiliser of the soil surface

s.36M CORE OBJECTIVES FOR MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY LANDCATEGORISED AS WATERCOURSE

A) to manage watercourses so as to protect the biodiversity and ecologicalvalues of the in stream environment, particularly in relation to waterquality and water flows, and

B) to manage watercourses so as to protect the riparian environment,particularly in relation to riparian vegetation and habitats and bankstability, and

C) to restore degraded watercourses, andD) to promote community education, and community access to and use of the

watercourse, without compromising the other core objectives of thecategory


86

Cooper Park - February 2001 · Cooper Park Plan Of Management – February 2001 G:\ts\parks\plans...

Documents

Transcript of Cooper Park - February 2001 · Cooper Park Plan Of Management – February 2001 G:\ts\parks\plans...